If you are craving a dish that combines rich, comforting flavors with a touch of freshness, this Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon and Tomatoes Recipe is just what you need. Imagine tender chicken bites and crispy bacon mingling in a luscious cream sauce, dotted with juicy, vibrant tomatoes, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s satisfying, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to make—an absolute winner for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends with minimal fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, from adding texture to bringing layers of flavor that dance together perfectly. The straightforward components make it accessible, yet the result feels special enough for a cozy dinner.
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta: The sturdy shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 4 strips bacon: Adds irresistible smokiness and a satisfyingly crisp texture that contrasts the tender chicken.
- 2 chicken breasts: Provide juicy, protein-packed bites that soak up the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A savory hint of garlic that enhances the chicken without overpowering it.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance and elevate all the flavors.
- Flour (for dredging): Helps create a golden crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Lifts and deglazes the pan, bringing those beautiful browned bits into the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: The star ingredient for that signature rich and velvety texture in the sauce.
- 5 ounces tomatoes (chopped small): Provide a lovely burst of color and bright acidity to cut through the richness.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon and Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta al dente
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the penne pasta until it’s al dente according to package instructions. This gives you that perfect slightly firm texture that holds up wonderfully when tossed with the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare and crisp the bacon
While the pasta cooks, chop your bacon into small pieces—using kitchen shears makes this a breeze—and fry them in a skillet over medium-high heat until they turn crisp and golden. Once crisped, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the flavorful bacon grease in the pan for cooking the chicken.
Step 3: Season and dredge the chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly. Then coat each piece lightly with flour, which helps create a golden crust as the chicken cooks and also thickens the sauce later on.
Step 4: Sear the chicken to perfection
In the same skillet with the bacon grease, cook the chicken pieces over medium-high heat for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding or add a splash of olive oil for the second batch. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid splatter. Once cooked, remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 5: Build the sauce with garlic and broth
Add the minced garlic to the hot pan and stir for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer briefly to concentrate the flavors.
Step 6: Add cream and tomatoes
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the chopped tomatoes. Allow this mixture to cook for about two minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to break down, creating a beautiful, creamy and vibrant sauce base.
Step 7: Return chicken and bacon to the pan
Bring the already cooked chicken and crispy bacon back into the skillet and stir everything together. Let it heat through gently for a few minutes, giving the sauce time to thicken and coat the meat perfectly. Be mindful not to overcook the chicken during this stage.
Step 8: Finish with parmesan and toss with pasta
Finally, stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, which enriches the sauce with a savory, nutty layer. Toss the drained penne pasta into the skillet, making sure every piece is beautifully coated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking, then get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon and Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra parmesan or some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. A grind of black pepper adds a subtle kick that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish is so rich and flavorful that keeping your sides simple is best. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed asparagus provides a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also fantastic for mopping up the leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh basil or thyme on top. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch. Pair with a glass of chilled white wine for a meal that feels truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well up to three days, allowing you to relish the flavors again without any sacrifice.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, keep the pasta and sauce separate from any fresh tomato or dairy garnishes. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. When thawed, the texture might change slightly but still tastes delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of cream or broth if it seems too thick. This helps to keep the sauce silky and avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of penne?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal because it holds the sauce well, other sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle work wonderfully in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe without bacon?
Yes, you can omit the bacon for a milder dish. To boost flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a touch of liquid smoke, and maybe toss in some sautéed mushrooms for extra earthiness.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs bring a juicier, more flavorful option and are less likely to dry out. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through but still tender.
What kind of tomatoes work best for the recipe?
Fresh, ripe tomatoes are preferable for the burst of brightness and texture they add. If fresh ones aren’t available, canned diced tomatoes (drained) can work in a pinch.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To thicken, let the sauce simmer a bit longer uncovered, or stir in more parmesan cheese. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating or cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and special about this Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon and Tomatoes Recipe. It’s a reliable go-to when you want a satisfying home-cooked meal without the fuss. The way the flavors meld together is pure magic, and I’m confident once you give it a try, it will become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation too!
Print
Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon and Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Penne Pasta recipe combines tender pieces of flour-dredged chicken and crispy bacon in a creamy garlic tomato sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
Protein & Seasoning
- 4 strips bacon
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dredging
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 5 ounces tomatoes, chopped small
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears for ease. Fry in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then dredge each piece in flour.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet with bacon grease, cook the chicken pieces over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan. Add a splash of olive oil if the pan becomes dry. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: Stir minced garlic into the skillet, then add chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for about a minute to enhance flavor.
- Make the Sauce: Add heavy cream and chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Let cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Combine Chicken and Bacon: Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Warm through for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further without overcooking the chicken.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and toss the sauce with the cooked penne pasta. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh plum or Roma tomatoes as they hold up well in the sauce.
- Do not overcook the chicken in the final step to keep it tender and juicy.
- Bacon grease adds depth to the sauce; avoid rinsing the pan before cooking the chicken.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for optimal taste and melting.
