This Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta unites tender chicken, crisp bacon and velvety cream cheese for an utterly irresistible meal. Al-dente pasta is bathed in a luscious, garlicky sauce that harmonizes every element, yielding a comforting, flavor-packed dish perfect for busy nights when you crave generous taste and effortless dining.

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I love whipping up this Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta because it packs a nutritional punch and tastes amazing. I start with 8 oz pasta of my choice, usually penne, then add in 1 lb of bite-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts that sear perfectly in 1 tbsp of olive oil.

I incorporate 6 roughly chopped bacon strips and 8 oz of softened cream cheese which makes the sauce really rich and loaded with protein. I also throw in 2 minced garlic cloves along with 1 cup of chicken broth, salt and pepper to bring everything together.

This dish is a solid dinner option that combines the goodness of chicken recipes with cream cheese and bacon while staying quick and easy. Its balanced blend of proteins, fats and carbs makes it a comforting pick for family dinners and winter meals that are both filling and satisfying.

Enjoy experimenting with this crowd-pleaser on a busy weeknight.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how the cream cheese melts into a rich, smooth sauce that mixes perfectly with the crispy bacon and tender chicken. It really makes each bite feel extra special.
2. I like that it’s really easy and fast to make even on crazy busy nights. I don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen for something that tastes so comforting.
3. I enjoy the way the garlic and chicken broth add a burst of flavor to the dish. It makes the whole meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.
4. I appreciate that this recipe has a lot of textures, from the chewy pasta to the crunchy bacon. It makes eating it a fun experience every single time.

Ingredients

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Chicken: Rich in lean protein, juicy pieces that make the dish hearty and filling.
Bacon: Offers a smoky salty crunch and adds a rich, savory boost to every bite.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and tangy flavor, balancing the spicy garlic and savory bacon.
Pasta: A carbohydrate powerhouse that provides energy and a soft, delicious base for the ingredients.
Garlic: Gives a zesty punch, enhancing taste with its natural, healthful antioxidants.
Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats and extra flavor to saute the ingredients perfectly.

Ingredient Quantities

8 oz pasta (penne or any kind you like)

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

6 strips of bacon, chopped roughly

8 oz cream cheese, softened

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Boil a pot of salted water and cook 8 oz pasta until it’s al-dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 6 strips of chopped bacon until they are crispy then remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet if needed then toss in 1 lb bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until they are almost browned.

4. Lower the heat and add 2 minced garlic cloves to the chicken, stir for about 30 seconds until they smell good.

5. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using a spatula to scrape up all the tasty bits stuck onto the bottom.

6. Cut 8 oz softened cream cheese into chunks and add them to the skillet; stir everything until the cream cheese has completely melted into a smooth sauce.

7. Return the bacon to the skillet then mix in the drained pasta, combining all the flavors well.

8. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes so that the pasta soaks up the creamy sauce.

9. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

10. Serve hot and enjoy your Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta on a busy weeknight dinner.

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot for boiling the salted water for the pasta
2. A colander to drain the pasta
3. A large skillet to cook the bacon and chicken
4. A slotted spoon to remove the crispy bacon
5. A spatula to scrape the pan while deglazing with broth
6. A knife and cutting board for chopping bacon, chicken, and garlic
7. Measuring cups and spoons for the olive oil and chicken broth

FAQ

Can i use a different type of pasta?

Yeah, absolutely. Any pasta you like will work fine. I used penne but bow-tie or even spaghetti would be great too.

How do i know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Just make sure its golden on the outside and there’s no pink in the middle. A quick check or using a thermometer at 165°F should do the trick.

Can i substitute the bacon or skip it?

Yep, you can change it up if you want or even leave it out, but the bacon adds a great smoky flavor that really ties the dish together.

What can i use instead of cream cheese?

If you dont have cream cheese, try using a mix of heavy cream and a bit of butter for a similar creaminess, but you might lose a little bit of tang.

Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you could use chicken thighs. Theyre juicier and often more affordable
If you dont have cream cheese, try using Neufchatel cheese or even a bit of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist
Instead of bacon, you can sub in pancetta or turkey bacon to keep the smoky flavor but with a different texture
No chicken broth? Vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube works just fine

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you let the bacon cool a tiny bit after frying, so you can use some of its fat to cook the chicken. This not only gives extra flavor, but also helps keep the chicken nice and juicy.
2. When you add the garlic, lower the heat even more so it dont burn. Burnt garlic taste bitter, and that against the whole creamy vibe of the dish.
3. Cut the cream cheese into smaller bits and stir it slowly into the pan. Doing this helps it melt evenly and prevents any clumps in your sauce.
4. After you mix in the pasta, let everything simmer together for a minute or two. This gives the pasta time to absorb the sauce, making the dish even more flavourful.