Creamy Chicken Bacon Penne Pasta

Creamy Chicken Bacon Penne Pasta

There’s something universally comforting about a big skillet of creamy pasta, especially when it’s loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. This Creamy Chicken Bacon Penne Pasta is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. It’s hearty, satisfying, and made in just one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With each bite bursting with creamy garlic sauce and a touch of smoky bacon, this pasta will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and pepper, to taste

  ADVERTISEMENT

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup chicken broth

  ADVERTISEMENT

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  ADVERTISEMENT

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until the sauce begins to thicken (about 3–4 minutes).

4. Add Cheese & Seasoning:
   Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning and return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir to coat in the sauce.

5. Combine Everything:
   Add the cooked penne pasta and toss gently until fully coated in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the crumbled bacon and stir to combine.

   ADVERTISEMENT

6. Serve & Garnish:
   Remove from heat, top with chopped parsley, and serve hot directly from the skillet. Optional: serve with garlic bread or a green salad on the side.

Final Notes

This Creamy Chicken Bacon Penne Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can make a truly indulgent meal. Rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of comfort food you’ll want on repeat. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just treating yourself after a long day. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days—and trust us, the flavors are even better the next day! For more crowd-pleasing dinner ideas like this, stay inspired with deesviral.