Rich & Velvety Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Crispy Bacon

Rich & Velvety Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Crispy Bacon

This one-skillet meal is the definition of comfort food. Creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and topped with crispy bacon and tender chicken—it’s a restaurant-quality dish made easily at home.

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) short pasta like Penne, Farfalle, or Rigatoni

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-inch pieces

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 4 slices bacon, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

• *Optional: 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning or dried parsley, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for heat*

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions in a separate pot until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Drain well and set aside. (We’ll combine it later).

   • *Pro-Tip: Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This can be used to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.*

2. Crisp the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.

3. Cook the Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high. Season the diced chicken generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot bacon grease in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to the same plate as the bacon.

4. Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. If the skillet seems dry, add a little more olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Add the 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

5. Create the Cream Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, bring to a simmer, and let it reduce for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (do not boil vigorously).

6. Combine and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken. If using Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes, add them now.

7. Bring It All Together: Add the cooked, drained pasta, cooked chicken, and about two-thirds of the crispy bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the luxurious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

8. Serve Immediately: Divide the pasta among bowls. Top with the remaining crispy bacon, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a crack of black pepper. Enjoy!

Key Tips for Success

• Don’t Crowd the Chicken: When browning the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook it in two batches if necessary. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of giving it a nice sear.

• Freshly Grated Parmesan is Key: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Grating a block of Parmesan yourself will give you the smoothest, meltiest sauce.

• Control the Heat: When adding the cream and cheese, keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from breaking (separating). A gentle simmer is all you need.

• Deglaze the Pan: When you add the chicken broth, make sure to scrape all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where a ton of flavor is hiding!

Customization Ideas

• Add Veggies: Sauté 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion or 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the garlic. Spinach can be stirred in at the end until wilted.

• Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Add 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained) along with the cream for a tangy, sweet depth.

• Fresh Herbs: Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving for a burst of freshness.

Enjoy your incredibly delicious one-skillet creation