Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta With Crispy Beef Bacon Herbs (Printable View)

Tender chicken penne in rich cheesy sauce with crispy beef bacon and fresh herbs

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 - ½ 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 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
13 - ½ tsp garlic powder
14 - ½ tsp onion powder
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Prepare:

01 - Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add chopped beef bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5–6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Pour off excess fat, leaving 1 tbsp in the skillet.
03 - Season diced chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
04 - In the same skillet, add butter and seasoned chicken. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
05 - Lower heat. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking until smooth and melted. Add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
06 - Mix in cheddar cheese until melted.
07 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Stir in spring onions, half the crispy beef bacon, and half the fresh herbs. Divide onto plates and top with remaining beef bacon and herbs. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The combination of crispy beef bacon and velvety cream sauce creates this incredibly rich texture that makes every bite feel like a special occasion
  • It comes together in under 45 minutes but tastes like something you'd order at a fancy Italian restaurant
02 -
  • Don't let the cream cheese come to a full boil or it might separate and become grainy instead of smooth
  • The pasta water is crucial for getting that perfect sauce consistency, so don't forget to reserve it
03 -
  • Let the cream cheese sit out for 30 minutes before starting to ensure it melts into the sauce without any lumps
  • Cook the beef bacon until extra crispy since it softens slightly when tossed with the hot pasta and sauce

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