Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta (Printable Version)

Tender penne tossed in a velvety cream cheese and cheddar sauce with seasoned chicken, crispy beef bacon, and aromatic fresh herbs.

# 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 the 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 a silky sauce.
06 - Mix in cheddar cheese until melted.
07 - Add cooked pasta to the 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 Advice:

01 -
  • The silky cream sauce clings perfectly to every piece of pasta, making each bite incredibly satisfying
  • Beef bacon adds this wonderful smoky depth that regular bacon just cant match
  • One pan, one pot, and dinner is ready in under an hour with minimal cleanup
02 -
  • Never skip reserving that pasta water, it's the secret to binding the sauce and making it cling to every piece
  • Room temperature cream cheese melts smoothly while cold cream cheese creates lumps that never fully disappear
  • Beef bacon cooks faster than pork so keep an eye on it, it goes from perfect to burnt quickly
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese from a block, pre shredded cheese has anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting
  • Season the water heavily when cooking pasta, it's the only chance to flavor the noodles themselves

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