Description
A comforting and creamy pasta dish that pairs tender chicken and smoky bacon with a bold pepper-Parmesan sauce. Perfect for cozy nights or dinner guests, this recipe brings flavor and simplicity together in one pan.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook penne until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tbsp grease in the pan.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Lower heat. Add garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, scrape the bottom, and stir in Parmesan and cracked pepper until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Add chicken, bacon, and pasta to the sauce. Stir to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner