Looking for a quick, delicious, and indulgent meal for busy weeknights? Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is the answer! This creamy, savory skillet dish comes together in just 35 minutes and requires only a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a family favorite that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
A Comforting, Quick Meal
Whether it’s a hectic school night or just another busy evening, easy and flavorful meals like this one always come to the rescue. As a recipe developer, I know how important it is to have simple yet satisfying dishes on hand. After all, we’re all juggling busy schedules and prefer meals that don’t take too long to make but still feel like a treat. This creamy chicken bacon pasta is the perfect choice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is all about minimal effort and maximum flavor. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce, this pasta dish is pure comfort. Plus, it’s made in one skillet, which means less mess and cleanup—always a win! If you want a little extra, serve it with a quick salad and some garlic bread for the perfect side.
Leftovers Are a Bonus
Not only is this meal quick to make, but it also makes amazing leftovers! Just store it in an airtight container and reheat it the next day for a satisfying lunch or dinner. It holds up beautifully, ensuring you won’t mind eating the same thing again (if there’s any left!).
Ingredient FAQs
Spaghetti – I prefer spaghetti for this dish, but feel free to use other pasta shapes like bowtie or penne. Just make sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue cooking once added to the sauce.
Bacon – Thick-cut, smoked bacon works best, giving the sauce a smoky, savory flavor. You can use regular-cut bacon if that’s what you have on hand.
Bacon Fat – Don’t toss that bacon fat! It’s key to adding extra flavor to the chicken and sauce. You’ll need about 2 to 3 tablespoons.
Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for this dish, cut into 1-inch cubes. For a shortcut, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, but the flavor will be a bit different.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds a depth of flavor that garlic powder can’t match.
Milk & Cream Cheese – Whole milk gives the sauce richness, and cream cheese helps make it creamy and decadent. Be sure to use full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese for the best texture.
Parmesan Cheese – Grated parmesan adds a touch of nuttiness to the sauce. Pre-grated works just fine.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti
- 5 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Follow package instructions to cook the spaghetti to al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon – In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, keeping the bacon fat in the skillet. Crumble the bacon and set it aside.
- Sear the Chicken – Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it in the bacon fat over medium heat for 2 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Avoid crowding the pan—sear in batches if necessary. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce – Lower the heat to low and add the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Add cream cheese cubes and cover the skillet. Let it cook until the cream cheese nearly melts, then whisk to combine. Add parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth. Let the sauce simmer on low heat until it thickens.
- Combine – Return the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 690 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
This creamy, indulgent meal is perfect for those nights when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
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