Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this cream cheese bacon chicken pasta recipe! It’s a creamy, dreamy dish that wraps you in a warm hug with every bite. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the smell of sizzling bacon filled the kitchen, and my kids couldn’t wait to dig in! It quickly became our go-to for weeknight dinners. The combination of rich cream cheese, crispy bacon, and tender chicken is just so satisfying. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand for those cozy family gatherings!
Ingredients List
- 8 ounces pasta (any shape you love, I usually go for penne or rotini)
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 ounces cream cheese (make sure it’s softened for easy mixing)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup chicken broth (homemade or store-bought, your choice!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for that extra cheesy goodness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh garlic if you’re feeling fancy)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with that seasoning!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling like crazy, toss in your 8 ounces of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite to it! Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a bit of that pasta water in case you need to loosen up your sauce later!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced chicken breast and season it with a little salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and no longer pink in the middle. It should smell heavenly! Make sure to cut into a piece to check it’s cooked through—you don’t want any pink surprises!
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now comes the fun part! Lower the heat and add in your softened cream cheese and 1 cup of chicken broth to the skillet. Stir it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. If it seems a little thick, don’t worry—this is where you can add a splash of that reserved pasta water to get it just right. You want a luscious sauce that clings to the pasta!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the crumbled bacon and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything until it’s well combined and the pasta is coated in that creamy goodness. It’s like a cozy blanket for your noodles!
Step 5: Season the Dish
Finally, it’s time to season! Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and taste your delicious creation. Add more salt and pepper if needed—this is where you can really make it your own! Give it one last stir and let those flavors mingle for a minute before serving hot. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Creamy texture that makes every bite comforting and satisfying.
- Savory flavors from the combination of cream cheese and crispy bacon.
- Family-friendly and loved by kids and adults alike!
- Flexible ingredients mean you can customize it to your taste.
Tips for Success
To really nail this cream cheese bacon chicken pasta recipe, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of cream cheese; if you want it extra creamy, go for it! You can also add a splash of heavy cream for even more richness. And if you’re in the mood for a little freshness, toss in some chopped green onions or even baby spinach at the end for a pop of color and flavor. Lastly, remember to taste as you go—everyone’s palate is different, so make it yours! Enjoy the process, and have fun!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for this cream cheese bacon chicken pasta recipe. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they should give you a good idea of what to expect per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
This dish packs a delightful punch of flavor while still being relatively balanced, making it a great choice for a satisfying meal. Enjoy every creamy bite without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese bacon chicken pasta ahead of time. Just follow the steps up until combining everything, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it looks a little dry.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind that it may alter the richness a bit, but it’ll still taste delicious!
Can I use different types of pasta?
Of course! This cream cheese bacon chicken pasta recipe is super flexible. Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape, whether it’s spaghetti, fusilli, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What do I serve this pasta with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce. You could also serve it with some steamed veggies for a pop of color and nutrition!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth or water to help loosen it up again. Enjoy the creamy goodness once more!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftovers of this cream cheese bacon chicken pasta recipe, simply transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. Enjoy that creamy delight all over again!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this creamy chicken pasta recipe or this garlic butter pasta recipe. If you’re interested in the health benefits of chicken, you can read more here.
Print
Cream cheese bacon chicken pasta recipe for Cozy Comfort
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A creamy and savory pasta dish featuring chicken, cream cheese, and crispy bacon.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook diced chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Add cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix well to combine.
- Stir in crumbled bacon and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, include chopped green onions.
- Adjust the cream cheese amount for desired creaminess.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cream cheese bacon chicken pasta recipe
