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This Chicken Bacon Pasta with tomato sauce is delicious, saucy, cheesy, creamy and best of all it can be on your dinner table in 30 minutes!
Before You Start
- Prep All Ingredients: Chop the vegetables, cut the chicken into small pieces, and measure out all your ingredients before you start. This makes the cooking process smoother and helps avoid any last-minute scrambling.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds a richer flavor than pre-grated or powdered cheese.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Follow the package instructions to cook the pasta al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Balance the Spice: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with 1 tablespoon of sriracha and add more to taste. It’s easier to add more spice than to take it away.
- Stir Continuously: When adding the cheeses, stir continuously to melt them smoothly into the sauce without clumping.
- Use a Large Skillet: Make sure your skillet or pot is large enough to hold all the ingredients and the pasta. This makes stirring and combining everything much easier.
Main Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pasta: I use penne, but any small shaped pasta will work.
- Bacon: Chopped bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor. Turkey bacon can be a leaner substitute.
- Chicken Breast: I use boneless, skinless chicken breast that I cut into small pieces. You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Onion and Garlic: Chopped onion and minced garlic add sweetness and depth to the sauce. Use as much or as little garlic as you like.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add a fresh, tangy tomato flavor. If you don’t have canned tomatoes, use fresh tomatoes.
- Chicken Broth: I use low sodium chicken broth to create a rich, flavorful sauce without overwhelming saltiness.
- Sriracha: This hot sauce adds a spicy kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount or use a milder hot sauce.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream makes the sauce creamy and tangy. Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese melts into the sauce, making it gooey and delicious.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish adds a nutty, salty finish.
Cook the Pasta
Cook 12 ounces of pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Cooking the pasta first means it’s ready to mix with the sauce. Tip: Salt your pasta water generously for better flavor.
Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, add 8 ounces of chopped bacon and cook on medium-high heat until it starts to render fat. This step crisps up the bacon and releases its flavorful fat. Tip: Stir occasionally to cook the bacon evenly and avoid burning.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
Add 8 ounces of cut-up chicken breast, 1 chopped large onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through. This step combines the flavors of the chicken, onion, and garlic with the bacon. Tip: Cut the chicken pieces evenly for consistent cooking.
Combine and Simmer
Stir in one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, ½ cup of low sodium chicken broth, and 2 tablespoons of sriracha. Add ½ cup of sour cream and stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cooked pasta and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Make sure all the pasta is covered in the cheese and sauce. Tip: Stir continuously while adding the cheeses to prevent clumping and create a smooth sauce.
Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately. Garnishing with Parmesan adds the final touch of flavor and richness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them with the onion and garlic to ensure they cook evenly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of chicken broth if needed to restore the creamy texture.
Other Delicious Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
- Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Pasta Alla Norma
- Pepperoni Pizza Pasta
- Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta
- One Pot Sausage Pasta
- Creamy Chicken Gnocchi
- Creamy Broccoli Pasta
- Creamy Bacon Chicken
Chicken Bacon Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounce pasta uncooked, use pasta of your choice
- 8 ounce bacon chopped (about 8 slices)
- 8 ounce chicken breast boneless and skinless, cut into small pieces (1 large)
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes (1 can)
- ½ cup chicken broth low sodium
- 2 tablespoon sriracha or any other hot sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Add the bacon to a large skillet and cook on medium-high heat until it starts to render fat.
- Add the chicken, onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 7 to 10 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth and sriracha. Add the sour cream and stir. Bring to a boil then turn down the heat to a low.
- Stir in the pasta and the mozzarella cheese. Make sure all the pasta is covered in the cheese and sauce.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parmesan cheese and serve.
Tips & Notes:
- Use extra lean chicken breast to keep the dish lighter and healthier.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain a firm texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Stir the bacon occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spiciness to your liking.
- Freshly grate Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and a smooth, creamy finish.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
