Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta Beef Bacon (Printable)
Tender chicken in rich creamy sauce with crispy beef bacon, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked 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 Make It:
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 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 melted and incorporated.
07 - Add cooked pasta to skillet, tossing to coat in sauce. Stir in spring onions, half the crispy beef bacon, and half the fresh herbs. Divide onto plates and top with remaining beef bacon and herbs. Serve immediately.
# Expert Hacks:
01 -
- The crispy beef bacon adds this incredible smoky depth that regular bacon just cant match
- This sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
02 -
- Room temperature cream cheese prevents those annoying lumps in your sauce
- Reserving pasta water is the difference between okay pasta and restaurant-quality pasta
03 -
- Grate your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded bags for better melting
- Let the chicken rest in the spices for 15 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor