Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy indulgence:
Main Ingredients:
- Pasta (400g/14 oz): Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine—pick your favorite!
- Chicken Breast (2 medium-sized): Sliced thinly for even cooking.
- Bacon (6 slices): Smoked or unsmoked, depending on your preference.
- Button Mushrooms (2 cups/200g): Freshly sliced for an earthy flavor.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup/240ml): For that luscious, creamy sauce.
- Chicken Broth (½ cup/120ml): Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Finely grated for a nutty, salty kick.
Flavor Boosters:
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): A must for that aromatic touch.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for sautéing.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the sauce.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to bring out the flavors.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds freshness and color.
Required Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or frying pan (for sauce)
- Slotted spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs or silicone spatula for stirring
Instructions
Step 1: Get Your Ingredients Ready
- Cook the pasta per package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Set aside.
- As the pasta cooks, cut the chicken into thin strips, the bacon into bite-size pieces and the mushrooms into slices. Mince the garlic cloves.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add sliced bacon. Fry, until crispy, before removing with a slotted spoon, draining on a plate lined with paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the grease in the pan with the fat.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
- Place the chicken slices in the same skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
Step 4 : Add in Mushrooms and garlic
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter. When melted add the sliced mushrooms and garlic. Sauté until the mushrooms are tender and fragrant, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
- Lower the heat slightly. Add the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping any brown bits off the bottom. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken for 3 minutes then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Add the chicken and bacon back, along with the cooked pasta, to the skillet. Toss to coat with the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Season with a little salt and pepper.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley, serve immediately for best results. And don’t forget a side of garlic bread to soak up that creamy, dreamy sauce!
Notes
How to Serve
This chicken bacon mushroom pasta is a meal all on its own, but here are some ways to enhance your experience:
- Wine Pairing: Creamy sauce calls for a crisp Chardonnay.
- Side Salads: A basic arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is a great fit.
- Bread basket: Serve with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 630 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing, boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free