Chicken Bacon Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Salmon: a weeknight dinner champion that’s ready in under 30 minutes and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen! Are you tired of the same old salmon recipes? Do you crave a dish that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This recipe transforms simple salmon fillets into a restaurant-worthy meal with a crispy, cheesy crust that will have everyone begging for seconds.

While salmon itself has been a staple food for coastal communities for centuries, enjoyed in countless preparations from smoked to grilled, the addition of a Parmesan crust is a more modern innovation. It cleverly combines the richness of Parmesan cheese with the delicate flavor of salmon, creating a delightful textural contrast. The salty, nutty Parmesan perfectly complements the salmon’s natural oils, resulting in a truly unforgettable dish.

People adore Parmesan Crusted Salmon for its incredible ease and deliciousness. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a healthy and satisfying meal without spending hours cooking. The crispy, golden-brown crust adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender, flaky salmon. Plus, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible – the savory Parmesan, the subtle sweetness of the salmon, and a hint of garlic and herbs create a symphony of taste that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for those who aren’t typically salmon fans!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon grease)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparing the Chicken and Bacon:

1. First things first, let’s get that bacon cooked! I like to cook my bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once it’s done, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Don’t forget to save about 2 tablespoons of that delicious bacon grease – we’ll use it later to add even more flavor to the dish! Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces and set aside.
2. Now, let’s move on to the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook quickly and evenly. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy – this is your chance to build flavor!

Cooking the Pasta and Chicken:

1. While you’re prepping the chicken, get a large pot of salted water boiling. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water is liquid gold and will help create a creamy sauce later on. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. In the same large skillet you used to cook the bacon (with the reserved bacon grease), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Creating the Creamy Sauce:

1. Now for the magic! In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
7. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Assembling the Chicken Bacon Pasta:

1. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
2. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add vegetables: Sauté some mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach along with the onion for added nutrients and flavor.
• Cheese, please!: Use a blend of cheeses, such as Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago, for a more complex flavor.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and chicken, and then combine everything with the sauce.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Baking Option: For a baked version, transfer the assembled pasta to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) for a tangy and chewy element.
• Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to customize the flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

This Chicken Bacon Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Garlic bread
• A simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Bruschetta

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover Chicken Bacon Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Why This Recipe Works:

This recipe is a winner because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The combination of creamy sauce, savory bacon, and tender chicken is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this Chicken Bacon Pasta is sure to be a hit.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 600-800 per serving
• Fat: 30-40g
• Protein: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g

Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Bacon Pasta!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Bacon Pasta isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The creamy sauce, the smoky bacon, and the tender chicken all come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly versatile, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy evening. Forget complicated recipes with endless ingredients – this one delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Think of it: the aroma of crispy bacon filling your kitchen, the anticipation building as the pasta simmers in the rich, creamy sauce, and then that first, glorious bite. It’s pure comfort food bliss! But beyond the sheer deliciousness, what I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is.

Want to kick up the spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage. Vegetarian? No problem! Simply omit the chicken and bacon and add some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You could even toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.

For serving suggestions, this Chicken Bacon Pasta is fantastic on its own as a complete meal. However, it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. If you’re looking to impress, consider garnishing it with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.

And don’t be afraid to get creative with the pasta itself! While I’ve specified penne in the recipe, you can easily substitute it with your favorite pasta shape. Farfalle (bow tie pasta) and rotini work particularly well, as their shapes help to capture the creamy sauce. Even using a gluten-free pasta alternative will work perfectly fine. The key is to cook the pasta al dente, so it retains a slight bite and doesn’t become mushy in the sauce.

I poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a special occasion. The beauty of this Chicken Bacon Pasta lies in its simplicity and its ability to be customized to your own taste preferences.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! I promise you won’t regret it. Once you’ve tried this recipe, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think?

Please, share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. I can’t wait to see your culinary creations and hear all about your Chicken Bacon Pasta adventures. Happy cooking!