If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, and bacon-loaded pasta dish, this Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need! It’s packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a velvety cream cheese sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
This dish is easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes!
Let’s dive into this rich and flavorful pasta dish that will quickly become a go-to comfort food favorite!
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Ultra Creamy & Cheesy – Made with cream cheese, parmesan, and butter for the perfect sauce.
✔️ Crispy Bacon Goodness – Smoky, crispy bacon adds the perfect crunch.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
✔️ Hearty & Satisfying – A filling, protein-packed meal for the whole family.
✔️ One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta Dish:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra parmesan cheese
👉 Learn the secret to making perfect cream cheese pasta sauce here
🔥 How to Make Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon & Chicken
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and add diced chicken. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Lower the heat and add cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet.
- Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until combined.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
🌟 Variations & Additions
1. Spicy Chicken Bacon Pasta
- Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
2. Mushroom & Spinach Pasta
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms and spinach for extra veggies.
3. Cajun-Style Cream Cheese Pasta
- Replace Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning for a bold, smoky flavor.
4. Low-Carb Version
- Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the cream sauce can separate when reheated.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low with a splash of cream or milk.
- Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great.
2. What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce best.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
4. How do I make it thicker?
Let the sauce simmer longer, or add 1 tablespoon of flour while cooking the chicken.
5. Can I add veggies?
Absolutely! Try broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
6. What’s the best bacon for this?
Thick-cut bacon adds the most crunch and flavor.
7. Can I make this in one pot?
Yes! Cook the pasta first, drain, then make the sauce in the same pot.
8. Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Use Boursin cheese or mascarpone for a different creamy texture.
9. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s creamy, cheesy, and not too spicy—kids love it.
10. What side dishes go well with this?
Serve with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
🎉 Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is a quick, easy, and ridiculously flavorful meal that everyone will love. The creamy, cheesy sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken make it the ultimate comfort food!
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments below! 😊🍽️
