Creamy Chicken and Bacon Spaghetti
A decadent pasta dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and spaghetti in a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce. This restaurant-quality meal comes together in one pot for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, fresh, chopped
- 2/3 cups heavy cream
- 2/3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 8 oz spaghetti (gluten-free if desired)
- 1/4 cup reserved cooked pasta water
- 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 8 strips bacon, cooked, drained of fat, and chopped
Instructions
- 1.Cook spaghetti al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.2.In large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, leaving 1 tbsp fat in pan.3.Season chicken with salt/pepper. Cook in bacon fat until golden (5-6 mins). Remove.4.Add olive oil and sauté garlic 30 seconds until fragrant.5.Pour in cream and broth, simmer 3 minutes until slightly thickened.6.Stir in Parmesan until melted. Add Italian seasoning and pepper flakes.7.Return chicken and bacon to pan. Add cooked spaghetti, tossing to coat.8.Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.9.Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- For lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables
- Sauce thickens upon standing - serve immediately