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

Tender chicken in rich creamy cheese sauce with crispy beef bacon and fresh herbs, tossed with penne pasta for a comforting meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 Steps:

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 slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Pour off excess fat, leaving 1 tbsp in 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 silky consistency.
06 - Mix in cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
07 - Add cooked pasta to skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly in sauce. Stir in spring onions, half the crispy beef bacon, and half the fresh herbs.
08 - Divide onto plates and top with remaining beef bacon and herbs. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The creamy sauce clings to every bite of pasta like it was meant to be there
  • Beef bacon adds this incredible smoky crunch you cannot get anywhere else
02 -
  • Saving pasta water is not optional here, it is the secret to transforming a good sauce into an amazing one
  • Room temperature cream cheese prevents those frustrating lumps that ruin a silky sauce
03 -
  • Grate your own cheddar instead of buying pre shredded cheese for a smoother melt
  • Let the cream cheese sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes before starting

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