There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta to soothe the soul after a long day. But when you add juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and silky cream cheese sauce into the mix, you elevate comfort food to pure indulgence.
The Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes that makes everyone at the table go quiet for a moment — because they’re too busy savoring every bite. It’s creamy, rich, flavorful, and packed with the perfect balance of smoky bacon, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness.
This recipe is not just another pasta dish — it’s a full experience. You’ll learn how to get the chicken juicy, the bacon crisp, and the sauce luxuriously smooth without being too heavy. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your partner, or yourself, this pasta will make you feel like a star chef in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect combination of bacon, chicken, and cheese
Ready in under 40 minutes
Rich, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Uses simple ingredients, but tastes like a restaurant-quality dish
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken & Bacon:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika (optional for color and smoky flavor)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
6 slices bacon, chopped
For the Pasta:
12 oz (340g) penne or fettuccine pasta (or any pasta you love)
Salt, for boiling water
For the Creamy Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick)
1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish
Time Breakdown
Task Time
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4–6
Calories ~650 per serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Tip: The starchy pasta water helps thin out the sauce later and helps it cling to the pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, add chopped bacon pieces.
Cook until crispy and browned, about 6–8 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.
Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for extra flavor.
Tip: Bacon fat adds a smoky base to the sauce, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
Transfer the chicken to the plate with the bacon and keep warm.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook the chicken in two batches if needed to keep it seared, not steamed.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add cream cheese and stir continuously until it starts melting.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream.
Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, thickening it slightly.
Tip: If the sauce looks too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet.
Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Let the pasta simmer on low for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Tip: The sauce will thicken as it cools — keep it a little looser than you want when hot.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the pasta into bowls or plates.
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve warm and watch it disappear in minutes.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
You can easily modify this recipe to suit your preferences:
Add Vegetables: Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Go Smoky: Use smoked paprika or smoked mozzarella.
Extra Creamy: Stir in a bit more cream cheese or heavy cream for a thicker sauce.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long — it can separate the cream cheese sauce.
Serving Ideas
This Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is hearty enough to be a complete meal, but here are a few perfect sides to serve with it:
Garlic Bread – For soaking up every drop of sauce.
Caesar Salad – Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini complement the richness.
Simple Green Salad – A light lemon vinaigrette helps balance the creaminess.
Chef’s Tips for Success
Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly firm pasta holds up better in creamy sauces.
Use room-temperature cream cheese. It melts more easily and prevents lumps.
Season in layers. Season the chicken, sauce, and final dish to build depth of flavor.
Reserve pasta water. It’s liquid gold that helps fix any sauce consistency issues.
Serve immediately. The sauce thickens as it sits, so enjoy it fresh and hot.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 650 kcal
Protein 38 g
Fat 40 g
Carbs 38 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 3 g
Sodium 720 mg
Why This Recipe Works
This dish is all about balance — the richness of cream cheese and bacon meets the mildness of chicken and pasta. The Parmesan gives it a nutty depth, while the garlic and broth prevent it from being too heavy.
It’s essentially the comfort of Alfredo, the heartiness of carbonara, and the tang of cream cheese — all in one heavenly bite.
Make It a One-Pan Meal
If you love quick cleanup, this recipe can easily become a one-pan wonder:
Cook bacon and chicken in the same skillet.
Add uncooked pasta and broth directly into the sauce mixture.
Cover and simmer until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
Finish with cheese and cream — done!
You’ll get the same creamy deliciousness with fewer dishes.
Optional Garnishes and Toppings
Fresh parsley or basil for color and freshness
Cracked black pepper
Shaved Parmesan
Toasted breadcrumbs for texture
Crumbled bacon bits for extra indulgence
What Makes This Dish Stand Out
Cream Cheese Magic: It gives the sauce body, tang, and creaminess without being greasy.
Bacon’s Smoky Flavor: Enhances the chicken and adds umami depth.
Customizable Base: Works with different proteins (shrimp, sausage, or even tofu).
Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
Chardonnay: Creamy and buttery, pairs beautifully with the sauce.
Pinot Grigio: Light and crisp to balance the richness.
Sauvignon Blanc: Offers acidity to cut through the creaminess.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Weeknight dinners: Quick, comforting, and satisfying.
Date nights: Rich and indulgent without too much effort.
Family gatherings: Scales easily to feed a crowd.
Meal prep: Stays creamy and flavorful even after reheating.
Chef’s Story (Optional Touch)
This recipe was born on a cozy Sunday evening when the fridge was nearly empty — just some chicken breasts, cream cheese, and a few slices of bacon left. The result was so good it became a family favorite. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best meals come from simplicity and creativity.
Final Thoughts
The Delicious Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is comfort food perfection — a dish that’s creamy, savory, smoky, and deeply satisfying. Every forkful delivers tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta blanketed in velvety cream cheese sauce.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or indulging in a solo comfort meal, this pasta promises to please. It’s rich enough to feel luxurious but easy enough for any night of the week.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s earned a permanent spot in the rotation of weeknight favorites.
CategoriesBreakfast
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