Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Quick and Tasty Meal

Ingredients

• 300 g penne pasta
• 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced
• 150 g bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 200 ml heavy cream
• 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
• to taste salt and pepper
• for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
3. Sauté Chicken: In the same skillet (with the bacon drippings for flavor), add another tablespoon of olive oil. Increase the heat slightly and add the diced chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the chicken and onion mixture. Allow it to simmer for about 2 minutes. Then, gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Combine Pasta and Bacon: Add the cooked penne pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
7. Garnish and Serve: Plate the creamy chicken and bacon pasta in bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.