Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta (Printable)
Tender chicken in rich creamy cheese sauce with crispy beef bacon and fresh herbs, served over perfectly cooked pasta.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 large chicken breasts, diced
02 - 8 slices beef bacon, chopped
→ Pasta
03 - 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
→ Dairy & Cheese
04 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 - 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
07 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
→ Vegetables & Herbs
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
10 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
11 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
→ Spices & Seasoning
12 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
14 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Steps:
01 - Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain and set aside.
02 - Cook chopped beef bacon in large skillet over medium heat until crispy, 5-6 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Pour off excess fat, leaving 1 tbsp in skillet.
03 - Season diced chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
04 - Add butter and seasoned chicken to skillet. Sauté 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
05 - Lower heat. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed for silky consistency.
06 - Mix in cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
07 - Add cooked pasta to skillet, toss to coat. Stir in spring onions, half the crispy beef bacon, and half the fresh herbs. Divide onto plates, top with remaining beef bacon and herbs.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The beef bacon adds this incredible smoky depth that regular bacon just cant match
- Everything comes together in one skillet so cleanup is surprisingly minimal
02 -
- Never add cold cream cheese to a hot pan or it will seize up into tiny lumps
- The pasta water is crucial for getting that perfect silky sauce consistency
03 -
- Grate your own cheese because pre shredded cheese has anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting
- Have all ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking since the sauce comes together fast