Description
A rich, satisfying pasta dish made in just 20 minutes with juicy chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. This quick creamy chicken bacon pasta is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast, comforting, and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients
6 ounces fettuccine or other long pasta
5–7 ounces turkey bacon, chopped
6 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced horizontally
1 tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
To Serve:
Chopped fresh parsley
Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions, stopping about 2 minutes early. Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the turkey bacon until lightly crisp, then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
3. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, cook the chicken for about 2 minutes per side, until golden and just cooked through. Remove and slice into bite-sized pieces.
4. Wipe out the skillet if needed, then melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the cream, about 3/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, and the Parmesan cheese. Stir well and let the sauce gently simmer for about 2 minutes, until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add the pasta to the skillet and toss gently for 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat and thicken around the noodles. Add more pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
7. Stir in the chicken and turkey bacon until everything is well combined and heated through.
8. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting results.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add more reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half for the cream, though the sauce may be thinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired