There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of creamy pasta, especially when it’s combined with the rich flavors of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and sautéed mushrooms. This Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Mushrooms and Garlic Sauce recipe is the epitome of indulgence—comforting, rich, and just what you need for a satisfying dinner. With a smooth garlic cream sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon, this dish combines all your favorite flavors in one irresistible bowl.
This recipe is simple yet sophisticated, perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even a cozy night in. The creamy sauce, made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, is just thick enough to coat the pasta without being overly heavy. The crispy bacon brings a deliciously smoky crunch, while the chicken adds protein and heartiness. The mushrooms and garlic round out the dish with earthy, savory flavors that bring everything together.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta
The best part about this recipe is how incredibly simple and quick it is to make—perfect for busy weeknights but also elegant enough to impress guests at a dinner party. The rich cream sauce, savory bacon, juicy chicken, and earthy mushrooms complement each other beautifully, making every bite packed with flavor.
Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but this dish also offers versatility in terms of customization. You can use different types of pasta or adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, making this creamy bacon chicken pasta truly your own. Plus, the dish is filling enough to serve as a standalone meal but would also go wonderfully with a light salad or some garlic bread on the side.
If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, you’re sure to love this one. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to help you make this delightful dish at home!
Ingredients for Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta
This pasta recipe features classic ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry. Here’s everything you need to create this delicious and creamy pasta:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped into small pieces (thick-cut bacon works best)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced thinly (button or cremini mushrooms are great choices)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic brings out the best flavor in this dish)
- 1 cup heavy cream (provides the creamy texture that makes the sauce indulgent)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (adds flavor and helps thin out the sauce)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated Parmesan will give the sauce a better texture)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (adds a pop of color and freshness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors)
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne work best for this creamy sauce, but feel free to use whatever pasta you prefer)
These ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering creamy pasta that’s both savory and comforting, with the perfect balance of textures.
Directions for Making Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta
Follow these simple directions to make this creamy bacon chicken pasta with mushrooms and garlic sauce.
1. Cook the Pasta
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice—fettuccine or penne works especially well in this recipe, but you can choose whatever pasta you have on hand. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure to save a little pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later on.
2. Cook the Bacon
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Let the bacon cook until it becomes crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial to getting the bacon crispy, which will add a great crunch to the dish. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.
3. Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, with the remaining bacon fat, add the diced chicken. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally to brown the chicken on all sides. You want the chicken to be golden brown and cooked all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside with the bacon.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and garlic. Sauté the mushrooms for about 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften and release their juices. You’ll want the mushrooms to become tender, and the garlic should become fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir to combine the ingredients and let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. As the sauce simmers, it will develop a rich, creamy texture that coats the back of a spoon. This is the base of the creamy sauce that will bring everything together.
Once the sauce has thickened, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the sauce well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken, bacon, and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little pasta water to thin it out to your preferred consistency. This step ensures that each bite of pasta is coated with that indulgent, garlicky cream sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well combined, serve the creamy bacon chicken pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This dish is best enjoyed hot, right from the skillet!
Helpful Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta
While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help you achieve the perfect result every time. Here are some tricks for making the best creamy bacon chicken pasta:
- Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best in this recipe, as it melts more easily into the sauce and adds a better texture. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly.
- Adjust the Consistency of the Sauce: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The starchy water will help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
- Make the Bacon Extra Crispy: If you love crispy bacon, cook it a little longer until it becomes extra crunchy. This will add more texture and flavor to the dish.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to this pasta to make it heartier. Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be great additions. Just sauté them along with the mushrooms and garlic for added depth of flavor.
Nutritional Information for Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta
The nutritional breakdown of this creamy bacon chicken pasta recipe per serving is as follows:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
This dish is rich and hearty, but it’s balanced enough to be enjoyed in moderation. To make it lighter, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a plant-based cream alternative. You can also reduce the amount of bacon or use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
How to Customize the Recipe
One of the best aspects of this Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta is its versatility. Here are some ways you can customize the dish based on your dietary preferences or available ingredients:
- Spicy Version: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering. This adds a spicy contrast to the rich creaminess.
- For a Lighter Dish: Use half-and-half or even coconut milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content. You could also skip the bacon for a lighter, yet still flavorful, dish.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and bacon, and use mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers as the main ingredients. You can add in some plant-based protein if you’d like.
- Extra Cheese: If you love cheese, you can sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta before serving and melt it under the broiler for a bubbly, cheesy topping.
Pairing Suggestions
While this creamy pasta is a meal in itself, it pairs wonderfully with several side dishes and beverages. Here are some ideas to complement the flavors:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing with any creamy pasta dish, garlic bread is a great way to soak up the leftover sauce.
- Light Salad: A Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing would balance the richness of the pasta.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of dry white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with this creamy pasta, cutting through the richness of the sauce.
FAQs About Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the bacon and chicken ahead of time. When you’re ready to
serve, simply reheat everything, toss in the pasta, and enjoy.
2. Can I freeze this pasta?
It’s not recommended to freeze the pasta with the creamy sauce, as the sauce may separate when reheated. You can freeze the chicken, bacon, and sauce separately, then combine them with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I substitute the pasta?
Yes! You can use any type of pasta you like. Spaghetti, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta would work great with this creamy sauce.
Conclusion
This Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Mushrooms and Garlic Sauce is the ultimate comfort food. The rich, garlicky cream sauce, combined with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and sautéed mushrooms, creates a satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. Whether you’re making it for yourself or for a group of friends, this pasta recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy!