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–+ servings
a wide pan of creamy chicken pasta with bacon and bell peppers
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5 from 19 votes

Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta

Creamy smoked gouda sauce with sautéed chicken, bacon, and bell peppers makes a satisfying weeknight dinner for the family
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheese, chicken, creamy pasta, pasta
Servings: 4
Calories: 868kcal
Author: Mikayla M.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb dried pasta
  • 1/2 lb bacon, diced
  • 1 large chicken breast
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup yellow onion diced
  • 1 1/2 cups smoked gouda shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 3/4 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons pasta water reserved while cooking
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  • Heat a wide skillet over medium heat and bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil over high heat.
  • Chop all but ½ slice of bacon and add it all to the pan, the unchopped slice included. Stir occasionally, until the bacon is crisped.
  • Meanwhile, slice the chicken breast in half to create two thinner filets, then season each with ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
  • When the bacon is crisp, remove it to a paper towel lined plate and add the chicken into the pan to sear on both sides, about 4 minutes per side.
  • Remove the chicken, and add in the peppers and onions, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  • Turn the heat down to low, then return the ½ slice of bacon to the pan, and slowly whisk in the heavy cream.
  • Stir in the milk, vinegar, and pasta water, then add the cheese in handfuls, stirring between additions.
  • Bring up to a gentle simmer and allow to thicken, then remove the bacon piece. Season with salt to taste if needed.
  • Add in the cooked pasta. Allow to cook gently until thickened and creamy, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from the heat, stir in the remaining bacon pieces and top with sliced chicken breast.

Nutrition

Calories: 868kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 59g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 1071mg | Potassium: 740mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2591IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 145mg | Iron: 2mg