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Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe with Bacon and Chives

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A quick and easy creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh chives in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon to paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Leave some bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp paprika. Add 2 tbsp olive oil to skillet with bacon fat over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1 cup chicken broth. Stir constantly until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Return cooked chicken and chopped bacon to skillet, stirring to coat with sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss gently until evenly mixed. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  7. Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives on top.
  8. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra cheddar cheese or chives.

Notes

Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for perfect crispiness. Pat chicken dry before seasoning to get a good sear. Soften cream cheese at room temperature to avoid lumps. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Timing garlic addition is important to avoid bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, bacon pasta, crack chicken pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, creamy sauce, bacon and chives

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/creamy-crack-chicken-pasta-recipe-with-bacon-and-chives-easy-and-delicious/