Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta (quick & easy)
A creamy, dreamy pasta dish with chicken, bacon, and herbs — all made quick in one pot. Perfect for cozy weeknights with full flavor and minimal cleanup.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl Large
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 6 slices bacon lean
- 16 ounces pasta uncooked, spaghetti or linguini
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into strips or chunks
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced, about 3 large cloves
- 1 teaspoon marjoram or oregano dry
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese shredded or grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup pasta cooking water reserved when draining pasta
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve ¾ cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove and set aside. Keep about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in skillet.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add to skillet and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese, marjoram, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir until smooth.
- Return chicken and bacon to skillet. Stir to coat with sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and remaining reserved pasta water as needed. Mix until everything is coated.
- Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use pre-cooked chicken or garlic paste for faster prep. Save pasta water — it's key to a creamy, smooth sauce. Avoid overcooking by watching liquid levels closely.