Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta

Creamy bacon chicken pasta is a crowd-pleaser that always disappears quickly at every family dinner. The combination of tender chicken, crisp smoky bacon, and a rich cream cheese sauce wrapped around spaghetti creates comfort in every bite. Whether you are cooking for a special occasion or a quick comfort meal on a weeknight, this recipe never disappoints.

The very first time I made this was on a busy evening when everyone was craving something indulgent but easy. Ever since then it has been a highly requested favorite for movie nights and potlucks.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti: Choose a quality brand for good texture and prevent mushy pasta
• Thick cut bacon: Adds deep smoky flavor look for bacon with even marbling
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Quick cooking and stays tender buy fresh for best results
• Fresh garlic: Brings aroma and depth always use fresh instead of jarred
• Chicken broth: Helps build body and savory notes use low sodium if preferred
• Whole milk: Makes the sauce creamy with smooth texture
• Cream cheese: Creates the signature rich velvety sauce look for block style not whipped
• Grated parmesan cheese: Brings sharp nutty taste freshly grated gives the smoothest melt
• Salt: Balances and boosts all flavors
• Black pepper: For subtle heat and a deeper layer of seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil a large pot of water and cook your spaghetti to al dente following the package instructions. Be sure not to overcook since pasta will finish in the sauce. Set aside after draining.

Cook the Bacon:

Place the thick cut bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Let them cook low and slow so they get golden and crisp. Move bacon to paper towels to drain but pour off only excess fat so about two to three tablespoons remain for flavor.

Brown the Chicken:

Cut chicken into one inch cubes and season them generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Sear the pieces in the reserved bacon drippings over medium heat. Let chicken develop a golden brown crust by not moving it too soon. If pan is crowded work in two batches to keep proper browning. Transfer chicken to a plate once done.

Sauté the Garlic:

Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add minced garlic and stir it around in the bacon drippings for about one minute just until fragrant but not browned. This will flavor the base of your sauce.

Prepare the Sauce:

Pour in chicken broth and whole milk while stirring to deglaze the pan and lift tasty bits from the bottom. Add cream cheese chunks. Cover the skillet so the cheese softens and melts gently. Stir with a whisk until smooth and uniform. Blend in the grated parmesan to finish thickening the sauce.

Bring Everything Together:

Add the browned chicken and crumbled bacon back to the skillet along with the cooked spaghetti. Toss everything together so sauce clings to every strand. Taste for seasoning and add a pinch of salt and black pepper if needed. Serve right away while everything is at its creamiest.

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My favorite part of this dish has always been the way the smoky bacon melts into the creamy sauce. The memory that sticks with me is when my youngest tried to sneak extra bacon off the serving platter before I could even sit down to eat. It always brings laughter and happy chaos to our table.

How to Store Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into an airtight glass container as soon as they cool. Refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating add a splash of milk to help bring back the sauce’s creamy texture. This dish also stays flavorful if gently reheated in a skillet over low heat which keeps the chicken most tender.

Ingredient Swaps and Tips

For a lighter version use reduced fat cream cheese and sub half the bacon for turkey bacon. Penne or rigatoni can also work well if you have no spaghetti. If fresh garlic is out of reach granulated garlic can work but you will miss that mellow sweetness from sautéed garlic cloves.

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Serving Suggestions

This pasta is rich and benefits from a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans. A simple salad with lemony vinaigrette helps to cut the creaminess and rounds out your meal. Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled over the top bring a pop of freshness and a nice color contrast.

The Story Behind the Pasta

Cream cheese based pasta dishes started becoming popular as a creamy and quicker alternative to heavy Alfredo back in the eighties and nineties. Combining bacon and chicken in this way reflects how American home cooks love to blend familiar comfort ingredients and create new traditions right at the dinner table.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta pairs best with these flavors?

Spaghetti works well for its texture, but other options like penne or fettuccine will also absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.

→ Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, chicken thighs or tenderloins can be substituted for extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking times as needed.

→ How can I make the sauce extra smooth?

Whisk the sauce thoroughly after the cream cheese melts and simmer gently to achieve a velvety consistency.

→ Which vegetables work well in this dish?

Spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms can be added for color and nutrition without overpowering the creamy base.

→ Is it possible to prepare this meal ahead of time?

The pasta can be cooked in advance. Simply reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce before serving.