Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Sweet Pepper and Parsley

This Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Sweet Pepper and Parsley is a savory and satisfying dish, featuring tender boneless chicken thighs, crispy bacon, and vibrant sweet peppers all tossed in a rich, creamy sauce. The addition of fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor and color to this dish, making it perfect for a comforting meal that feels both indulgent and fresh. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a dinner party, this pasta will undoubtedly be a hit.

Ingredients:

450g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs

Olive oil (for cooking)

Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, paprika (to taste)

200g (7 oz) bacon (diced)

2 medium sweet peppers (sliced thinly)

1 small onion (chopped)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

300g (10 oz) pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)

Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon

Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the boneless chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Once it’s cool enough to handle, slice it into strips.

Crisp the bacon: In the same skillet, add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving a bit of bacon grease in the skillet for flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables and Make the Sauce

Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and sweet peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Add the pasta: Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Finish the sauce: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the sauce, stirring until it melts and combines with the cream to create a smooth, creamy texture.

Add the chicken and bacon: Return the sliced chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet, mixing them into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce and evenly distribute the chicken, bacon, and peppers.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and added flavor.

Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and bacon pasta warm, with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

Side Dish: This pasta pairs beautifully with a light green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the creamy sauce.

Garlic Bread: Serve with some crispy garlic bread to soak up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.

Tips and Variations:

Substitute the Chicken: If you prefer, you can swap the boneless chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even shrimp for a seafood variation.

Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies, like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms, to the mix for extra flavor and nutrition.

Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for some heat.

Cheese Options: You can use other cheeses such as mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

Calories: 650

Protein: 38g

Carbohydrates: 45g

Fat: 35g

Saturated Fat: 12g

Sodium: 800mg

Conclusion:

This Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Sweet Pepper and Parsley is a flavorful and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet peppers is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a special dinner, this pasta recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cooking rotation. Enjoy!

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