Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta With Crispy Beef Bacon Herbs (Printable)

Tender chicken penne in rich creamy sauce with crispy beef bacon and aromatic herbs.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain and set aside.
02 - Cook chopped beef bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, 5–6 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, leaving 1 tbsp fat in skillet.
03 - Season diced chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
04 - Add butter and seasoned chicken to skillet. Sauté 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Add garlic, cook 1 additional minute.
05 - Reduce heat. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking until smooth and melted. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
06 - Mix in cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
07 - Add cooked pasta to skillet, tossing to coat. 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.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The sauce clings to every curve of pasta like it was made to be there
  • Beef bacon adds this incredible smoky depth that regular bacon cannot achieve
  • Everything happens in one skillet so you spend less time washing dishes
02 -
  • Reserving pasta water is not optional, it is the secret to silky sauce consistency
  • Beef bacon cooks faster than pork so keep a close eye on it
  • The sauce will thicken as it stands off the heat
03 -
  • Room temperature cream cheese prevents grainy sauce every time
  • Grating your own cheese makes melting infinitely smoother

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