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Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Herbs

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A quick and comforting creamy chicken pasta with crispy bacon and fresh herbs, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta or your favorite pasta shape
  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes
  • Optional: Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, cook 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain excess fat. Chop into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
  3. In the same skillet with some bacon fat (or add 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed), season 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add 4 oz (115 g) softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir gently until melted and smooth. Slowly pour in 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth and 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded Parmesan cheese and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir until sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. If sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
  5. Return chicken and chopped bacon to the skillet with the sauce. Toss in the drained pasta and stir until everything is coated evenly. Add 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  6. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute or two to let flavors meld. The sauce should be creamy and cling beautifully to the pasta, with crispy bacon bits scattered through.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Cook bacon until crispy for best texture. Fresh herbs add brightness and balance richness. Avoid overheating sauce to prevent splitting.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, crack chicken pasta, bacon pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, creamy sauce, fresh herbs

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-crack-chicken-pasta-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-fresh-herbs/