Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta. This incredibly satisfying dish features tender, slow-cooked chicken, crispy bacon, sweet peas, and a luxurious sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s the perfect meal for your family and an absolute lifesaver when you need to bring a comforting dinner to a friend or neighbor.
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Searching for delicious, crowd-pleasing meal ideas that are both easy to make and comforting? Look no further! This Chicken Bacon Pasta recipe consistently delivers on all fronts, making it a go-to in my kitchen. For other fantastic options perfect for sharing or enjoying at home, explore my Taco Casserole, Hearty Penne Pasta Bake, or the ever-popular Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Potatoes.
Life can be wonderfully messy and unpredictable, especially with a new baby. I vividly recall the period after my first daughter was born; my family showered my husband and me with an abundance of delicious, home-cooked meals. It was a true blessing during those sleep-deprived weeks, allowing us to focus on our new arrival without the added stress of cooking. Every dish was a warm hug, and the generosity was unforgettable.
Years later, when a dear neighbor welcomed their own little one, I eagerly volunteered to bring a meal. Immediately, a particular pasta dish that my sister had brought to me back then sprang to mind. It was wonderfully creamy and satisfying, a perfect expression of care.
I called my sister, hoping to get the exact recipe. To my surprise, she told me she had discovered an even better version since then! Naturally, if it surpassed the already fantastic dish she’d made, I knew I had to try it. And so, the recipe for this incredible Chicken Bacon Pasta came into my possession.
This recipe was such a hit that I found myself making it again for another neighbor who had a baby just a few weeks after the first. What makes it even more remarkable is how much it yields. One batch provides enough to generously share with another family and still leaves plenty for my own family to enjoy over several delicious meals! It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving, embodying comfort and convenience in every bite.
This Chicken Bacon Pasta isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of a good meal to bring comfort, support, and joy. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a weeknight dinner, or to share with someone in need, it promises to be a memorable and much-loved dish.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Pasta
This recipe for Chicken Bacon Pasta isn’t just another dish; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum comfort and minimal fuss. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation:
- Effortless Slow Cooker Chicken: The chicken is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring it’s incredibly tender and flavorful with hardly any hands-on time. This sets the stage for a truly effortless meal.
- Rich & Creamy Sauce: A luxurious blend of butter, garlic, half and half, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken with velvety goodness. It’s pure indulgence!
- Crispy Bacon Perfection: Salty, crispy bacon bits add a delightful textural contrast and a smoky depth that elevates the entire dish. Don’t skip using a bit of those delicious bacon drippings to start your sauce!
- Freezer-Friendly: This recipe makes a generous amount, perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping. You can easily bake one pan now and freeze another for a busy weeknight in the future.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From picky eaters to gourmet palates, everyone loves this combination of chicken, bacon, and creamy pasta. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or as a thoughtful gift for friends.
- Versatile Ingredients: While I have my preferred ingredients, this recipe is adaptable. Easily swap out pasta shapes, adjust seasonings, or even use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate comfort dish that combines convenience, flavor, and the undeniable satisfaction of a truly hearty meal.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Pasta
Crafting the perfect Chicken Bacon Pasta starts with high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible.
Chicken: For this recipe, I typically opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook beautifully in the slow cooker and shred or dice easily. Chicken thighs are another excellent choice; they tend to be even more flavorful and moist, though they might require slightly longer to reach optimal tenderness – usually still within the 4-hour mark on low. For an even quicker weeknight version, feel free to use pre-cooked, shredded chicken. Simply skip the slow-cooking step and add it when combining the ingredients.
Marinade: My secret weapon for flavorful chicken is Lawry’s Mesquite Marinade. Its smoky, savory notes infuse the chicken with an incredible taste that perfectly complements the creamy sauce. If mesquite isn’t readily available, don’t worry! Any marinade you love for chicken will work well here. Choose something with a good balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of tang to enhance the chicken’s natural flavors.
Pasta: While I’m partial to penne for its ability to hold the creamy sauce in its ridges and hollows, any short-cut pasta will be fantastic. Think rotini, cavatappi, ziti, or even elbow macaroni. The key is choosing a shape that captures and carries the rich sauce effectively.
Bacon: Crispy bacon is non-negotiable in this recipe! I prefer to dice my bacon before cooking it in a large skillet. This method ensures uniform crispiness and allows you to render the fat directly in the pan. Those flavorful bacon drippings are precious; I use a tablespoon or so as the base for the sauce, adding an incredible depth of smoky flavor. If you prefer, you can cook bacon in the oven and then crumble it, but you’ll miss out on the valuable drippings for your sauce.
Butter: This is unapologetically a buttery sauce! The butter contributes significantly to the sauce’s richness and smooth texture. While I haven’t experimented with reducing the amount, it’s a foundational element that ensures the luxurious feel of the dish. I recommend using unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness, especially with the bacon and Parmesan.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is absolutely essential here. It brings a pungent, aromatic warmth that brightens the entire sauce. Minced fresh garlic offers a more vibrant flavor profile compared to pre-minced jarred garlic. Don’t skimp on it!
Half and Half & Cream: The original recipe called for all heavy cream, which makes an incredibly rich and decadent sauce. Over time, I’ve found that a blend of half and half and heavy cream works wonderfully, offering a beautiful creaminess while slightly cutting back on the richness (and a few calories!). If you’re looking for ultimate indulgence, go ahead and use all heavy cream – it truly makes the sauce extra luxurious.
Pepper: The initial recipe suggested a generous 1 1/2 tablespoons of pepper, which, when using freshly cracked pepper, provides a fantastic, spicy kick. However, the intensity of ground pepper can vary significantly. To give you more control, I now recommend 1/2 to 1 tablespoon. Adjust it to your personal preference – whether you like a subtle warmth or a bolder peppery punch. Freshly ground black pepper will always yield the best flavor.
Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding a salty, umami-rich depth. Pre-grated cheese can sometimes be a bit dry and not melt as smoothly, so I highly recommend grating your own for the best results.
Peas: Frozen peas are a brilliant addition, offering a pop of color, a touch of sweetness, and a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the dish. They thaw and warm up perfectly when stirred into the hot pasta. If peas aren’t your favorite, or if you simply don’t have any on hand, feel free to omit them without compromising the overall flavor. You could also experiment with other small, quick-cooking vegetables like finely chopped spinach or corn.
Gathering these ingredients is the first step towards creating a truly memorable meal that your family and friends will rave about.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious Chicken Bacon Pasta is a straightforward process, broken down into manageable steps. Follow these instructions to achieve a perfectly creamy and flavorful dish.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Begin by combining your chicken breasts and the marinade in a slow cooker. Cook on low for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and easily shreds. Once done, remove the chicken, dice it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. You can discard any leftover marinade from the slow cooker.
- Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook your diced bacon over medium-high heat until it reaches a beautiful crispness. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon drippings in the skillet – this flavorful fat is key for the sauce!
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the butter to the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Into the skillet with the garlic and butter, whisk in the half and half, heavy cream, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue whisking until all ingredients are well combined and the sauce begins to gently thicken. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach a slightly thicker consistency. It should be rich and velvety.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen short-cut pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the empty pot.
- Combine Everything: To the pot with the cooked pasta, add the diced cooked chicken, the crispy bacon bits, and the frozen peas. Pour the warm, creamy sauce over all the ingredients. Gently mix everything together until the pasta, chicken, bacon, and peas are evenly coated in the luscious sauce.
- Bake and Serve: Divide the pasta mixture evenly into two 9×13-inch baking pans. This recipe makes a generous amount, so you can bake one now and freeze the other for later, or gift one to a friend! If desired, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the top of each pan. Bake the pasta in a preheated oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting and flavorful Chicken Bacon Pasta. Its rich sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon will surely become a family favorite.
Freezing Instructions for Convenient Meal Prep
One of the fantastic benefits of this Chicken Bacon Pasta recipe is its generous yield, making it ideal for meal prepping or sharing. Freezing a portion is incredibly easy and ensures you have a delicious, homemade meal ready whenever you need it.
To freeze, I highly recommend using a disposable aluminum pan. This makes cleanup a breeze and is perfect for gifting. Once you’ve prepared the pasta and divided it into pans, allow the dish destined for the freezer to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent ice crystal formation and maintain quality.
Once cooled, wrap the pan tightly with several layers of aluminum foil. Ensure there are no air gaps to protect it from freezer burn. Don’t forget to label the foil with the dish name and the date it was prepared. This pasta can be safely frozen for up to 3 months, making it a wonderful addition to your freezer stash.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Chicken Bacon Pasta, simply remove it from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and integrity of the pasta and sauce.
To serve, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Place the still-covered pan in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. This initial baking with the foil on helps to gently warm the dish through. After this, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through to the center and any cheese on top is melted and bubbling. Enjoy your effortlessly reheated, comforting meal!
What to Serve with Chicken Bacon Pasta: Perfect Pairings
This Chicken Bacon Pasta is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple side dish can elevate the entire dining experience. Its rich and creamy nature makes it incredibly versatile, complementing a wide array of flavors and textures. Here are some of my favorite accompaniments that perfectly balance the dish:
- A Crisp Green Salad: A fresh, vibrant green salad with a light vinaigrette is the ideal counterpoint to the pasta’s richness. The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast.
- Antipasto Salad: For something a bit more substantial than a simple green salad, an antipasto salad brings a medley of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables that offer a wonderful range of flavors and textures.
- Roasted Asparagus: Simple, elegant, and delicious. Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and a slight nuttiness, making it a fantastic vegetable side that doesn’t overpower the pasta.
- Sautéed Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes: This colorful side offers a tender-crisp texture and a burst of juicy sweetness from the tomatoes, adding freshness to your plate.
- Herbed Tomato Salad: A simple salad featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a light dressing highlights the natural flavors of summer and provides a refreshing bite.
- Parmesan Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy sauce, cheesy breadsticks are always a hit.
- Crusty French Bread: A classic choice, a warm loaf of French bread is excellent for scooping up the creamy sauce and rounding out the meal.
Choose any of these options to create a well-rounded and delightful meal experience with your Chicken Bacon Pasta.
More Irresistible Pasta Recipes
If you loved this Chicken Bacon Pasta, you’re in for a treat! Pasta is truly one of the most versatile and comforting foods, and my kitchen is full of recipes designed to bring joy to your dinner table. Explore these other fantastic pasta dishes:
- Sausage and Peppers Pasta: A flavorful classic combining savory sausage, bell peppers, and pasta in a rich sauce.
- Easy Alfredo Sauce: Master the art of a simple, luscious Alfredo sauce that can elevate any pasta dish.
- Chicken Pesto Pasta: A vibrant and fresh option featuring tender chicken, aromatic pesto, and your favorite pasta.
- Creamy Mac and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food, this mac and cheese recipe is incredibly rich and utterly satisfying.
- Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo: Another slow cooker marvel, offering all the creamy goodness of Alfredo with minimal effort.
- Tuna Casserole: A nostalgic favorite reimagined for modern tastes, delivering hearty and budget-friendly comfort.
- Chicken Stuffed Shells: Large pasta shells filled with a savory chicken and cheese mixture, baked in a delicious sauce.
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Chicken Bacon Pasta
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This Chicken Bacon Pasta is rich and comforting and the perfect dinner to take to a friend. It has chicken that is slow cooked before it’s added to a pasta with a creamy sauce, bacon, and peas.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken breast halves (4–5 lbs)
- 1 (12 oz) bottle Lawry’s Mesquite Marinade
- 1 pound small cut pasta
- 1 pound bacon, diced
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon pepper
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Put the chicken breasts and the marinade in a slow cooker. Cook until chicken is done – about 3-4 hours on low. When cooked, cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Discard all but about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease.
- Add the butter to the skillet with the remaining grease. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the half and half, heavy cream, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Whisk until combined. Cook a couple of minutes to slightly thicken.
- To the pot with the pasta, add the cooked chicken, bacon, and frozen peas. Stir in the sauce.
- Transfer the pasta to 2 9×13-inch baking dishes. (I like to make one now and freeze the other for later or give the other away.) Top with additional parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Bake the pasta until warmed through and the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.
Recipe Notes:
SUBSTITUTIONS: My original recipe called for all heavy cream, which makes a richer, creamier pasta. But I thought it was still great with part half and half to cut back on some of the calories and fat.
Any short cut pasta will work, as well.
Want to use cooked, shredded or cubed chicken? Just skip cooking the chicken in the slow cooker, and add your cooked chicken into the recipe instead.
The marinade can be replaced with any favorite marinade. We just really love this one with this recipe!
FREEZE: This makes a lot, so I always divide into 2 and cook one now and keep one in the freezer for later. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator and cook, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Then remove the foil and cook an additional 5 minutes.
STORE: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. You can reheat in the oven (covered with foil) or you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1/16 of recipe, Calories: 386kcal (19%), Carbohydrates: 26g (9%), Protein: 25g (50%), Fat: 21g (32%), Saturated Fat: 8g (50%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 103mg (34%), Sodium: 960mg (42%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 3g (3%)