Save to Pinterest Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Bacon Penne. This dish combines succulent chicken breast and crispy, smoky bacon in a decadent garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, creating a meal that is both hearty and sophisticated. Perfectly tossed with al dente penne, it is a satisfying choice for family dinners or special occasions.
Save to Pinterest This Italian-American favorite is designed to be effortless yet impressive. By using simple, high-quality ingredients like freshly grated Parmesan and heavy cream, you can achieve a restaurant-quality pasta dish right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 350 g (12 oz) penne pasta
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g / 14 oz), thinly sliced
- 150 g (5 oz) bacon, chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (90 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; set aside. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the pan.
- Step 3
- Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper. Add the olive oil to the skillet, then the chicken. Sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Step 4
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 5
- Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. If needed, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Step 6
- Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Stir in the chopped parsley. Add the drained penne and toss everything together to coat.
- Step 7
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure a smooth sauce, grate your own Parmesan cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties. Don't forget to reserve some pasta water; its starch content is the secret to getting the sauce to cling perfectly to the penne.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter alternative, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. If you want to add more texture and nutrition, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or a handful of fresh spinach during the final simmering stage.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this creamy pasta warm, ideally paired with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. A simple side of garlic bread or a light green salad balances the richness of the dish perfectly.
Save to Pinterest Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this Creamy Chicken Bacon Penne is guaranteed to satisfy. The blend of savory meats and silky sauce makes every bite a pleasure.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use bone-in chicken instead?
Yes, bone-in chicken breasts work well, though they'll require longer cooking time—approximately 12-15 minutes instead of 5-7 minutes. Ensure the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- → How do I prevent the cream sauce from breaking?
Keep the heat at medium to medium-low throughout cooking. When combining ingredients, stir gently and continuously. Never allow the sauce to reach a hard boil, as high heat can cause separation. If the sauce appears grainy, whisk in reserved pasta water gradually to smooth it out.
- → What pasta shapes work as alternatives?
Fettuccine, rigatoni, farfalle, and linguine all pair beautifully with this cream sauce. Choose shapes with good surface area to catch and hold the rich sauce. Smaller tubular pastas like rigatoni work particularly well for trapping cream.
- → Can I make this dish lighter?
Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream to reduce fat content. You can also increase vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor without compromising the dish's richness.
- → How far in advance can I prepare components?
Cook and chop all ingredients up to 24 hours ahead. Store chicken and bacon separately in airtight containers. The dish comes together quickly, so assemble just before serving to ensure the pasta maintains its ideal texture and the sauce coats everything evenly.
- → What wine pairs best with this dish?
Crisp white wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy sauce beautifully. The acidity cuts through the richness while the fruity notes enhance the bacon's smokiness and the fresh parsley's brightness.