Creamy Chicken Bacon Tomato Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Bacon Tomato Pasta, a dish that combines rich flavors and a touch of elegance for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Juicy diced chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet cherry tomatoes are enveloped in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly coating tender penne pasta. Fresh basil adds a burst of herbaceous freshness, while a hint of garlic and optional red pepper flakes bring depth and a subtle kick. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-skillet pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and utterly satisfying. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that's sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 lb Chicken breast, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 6 slices Bacon, chopped
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 3 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Discard the excess bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the remaining olive oil, then sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the cooked chicken and bacon back to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) for a bit of heat.
Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3924 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 194.3 g | 249% | |
| Saturated Fat | 86.5 g | 432% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 829 mg | 276% | |
| Sodium | 5991 mg | 260% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 266.7 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.8 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.2 g | ||
| Protein | 254.4 g | 509% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 1062 mg | 82% | |
| Iron | 17.9 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 3335 mg | 71% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
