Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta

• Spaghetti: This noodle type holds the sauce well but you can swap for fettuccine or penne if needed Look for good quality pasta with a golden yellow color for best texture
• Thick cut bacon: Adds rich smokiness and crunch Choose bacon with plenty of marbling as this gives the best flavor
• Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking My trick is to cut into even pieces so it cooks evenly and stays juicy
• Fresh garlic: Adds sharp bold flavor and makes the entire sauce fragrant Use freshly minced garlic rather than jarred for best results
• Chicken broth: Supports the base of the sauce Choose low sodium so you can control the final saltiness
• Milk: Helps loosen the sauce and adds a creamy backdrop Whole milk gives the richest result
• Cream cheese: The secret ingredient for a silky sauce Use block style cream cheese and bring to room temperature so it melts in smoothly
• Parmesan cheese: Brings salt and nuttiness Use freshly grated if you can avoid the pre-shredded kind
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings but do not skip tasting the sauce at the end for perfect balance

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add spaghetti and cook until al dente following package instructions Drain and set aside This step can be done while preparing other ingredients to save time

Cook the Bacon:

Place bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat Cook until crispy flipping occasionally to cook evenly Remove bacon and drain on paper towels Reserve drippings in the pan Crumble bacon once cooled for easy mixing later

Brown the Chicken:

Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper Add to the hot skillet with reserved bacon grease Arrange pieces in a single layer Let them sear for about two to four minutes per side until browned and barely cooked through If needed work in batches so each piece caramelizes rather than steams Remove chicken using tongs or a slotted spoon leaving drippings behind and set chicken aside

Sauté the Garlic:

Reduce heat to low Add minced garlic to the bacon grease Stir constantly for about one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned Watch closely because garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter

Make the Cream Sauce:

Add chicken broth and milk to the skillet Stir to combine all browned bits from the pan Add cubed cream cheese Cover pan for a few minutes so cream cheese melts Gently whisk until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened Add in parmesan cheese and whisk again Simmer uncovered on low until thick enough to coat a spoon Season with extra salt and pepper as you like

Bring It All Together:

Return cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet Add drained pasta Toss everything together so the sauce coats each noodle Heat just enough to warm everything through then serve straight from the pan

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My favorite part is the way the cream cheese transforms into the silkiest sauce every single time When I asked my family their favorite part of this dish they all pointed to the crispy bacon bits on top I always save a little to sprinkle just before serving

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days If you know you will have leftovers hold back a little extra pasta water to gently loosen the sauce when reheating The sauce thickens as it cools but a quick splash of milk or water in the microwave brings it back to creamy perfection

Ingredient Substitutions

No chicken breast on hand Try boneless thighs for more richness or leftover rotisserie chicken for even faster prep If you want to lighten it up turkey bacon works well and low fat cream cheese is fine for the sauce The pasta can be swapped with gluten free or whole wheat options without changing the process just the cooking time

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this creamy pasta with something crisp on the side like a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette Roasted broccoli or garlicky green beans are excellent choices too For an even fancier presentation sprinkle extra parmesan and some chopped chives or parsley just before serving

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Cultural Context

Cream cheese pasta sauces are a modern twist on classic Italian cream sauces bringing in the tang and silkiness of American cream cheese Bacon and chicken together is a truly American comfort combo and families everywhere love it for its fusion flavor that feels both familiar and a little indulgent

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep the chicken moist?

Sear the chicken in bacon drippings over medium heat until just browned. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.

→ Can other pasta shapes be used?

Yes, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or fettuccine—the creamy sauce coats most pasta varieties beautifully.

→ How do you thicken the sauce?

Simmer the sauce uncovered on low after whisking in the cheeses until it reaches your preferred consistency.

→ What can I substitute for bacon?

Pancetta or turkey bacon offers a similar smoky flavor and crisp texture in the dish.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

It reheats well. Store the pasta and sauce together in an airtight container and warm gently before serving.