🍝 Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta – A Dinner Everyone Will Love!

by

This dreamy pasta combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a luscious cream sauce for a truly irresistible dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s the ultimate comfort food that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients 🛒

  • 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced (divided: ¼ cup for garnish, the rest for cooking)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ½ cup chopped yellow onion
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work great)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Directions 🍽️

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the diced turkey bacon until crispy. Remove ¼ cup for garnish and set aside.
  2. Leave the remaining bacon in the skillet, along with 1-2 tablespoons of the rendered fat.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
3. Season the chicken cubes with salt and black pepper.
4. In the same skillet, add the chicken and cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
5. Add the chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
6. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Sauce
7. Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
8. Add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta
9. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Combine Everything
10. Add the chicken and most of the cooked bacon back into the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta, ensuring it’s well coated.
11. If using, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
12. Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Top with the reserved bacon and fresh parsley or basil for garnish.

Quick Tip 💡

For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or additional Parmesan cheese on top!

Leave a Comment