Description
Succulent marry me chicken pasta promises an irresistible culinary journey through creamy, herb-infused Italian-inspired flavors. Lovers of comfort food will discover a romantic dinner solution that seduces taste buds with its rich, luxurious ingredients and simple, elegant preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (16 ounces) chicken breasts (diced)
- 4 slices bacon (chopped)
Pasta and Dairy:
- 1 pound (16 ounces) penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, following package timing. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Render turkey bacon in a spacious skillet until crisp and golden. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving the rendered fat.
- Season chicken generously with garlic powder, Italian herbs, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Sear in the same skillet over medium-high heat until exterior turns rich golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Deglaze the skillet by pouring chicken broth, scraping accumulated flavorful fond from bottom. Introduce heavy cream and reduce heat, allowing liquid to gently simmer and concentrate.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, whisking continuously until smooth and slightly thickened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Reunite cooked pasta and crispy bacon with the creamy sauce, tossing meticulously to ensure complete and even coating.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling finely chopped fresh parsley across the top for vibrant color and herbaceous brightness.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version of this delightful dish.
- Reduce cream and use low-fat alternatives for a lighter, heart-healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Toast the bacon separately to control crispiness and reduce excess oil in the final pasta preparation.
- Try different pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni to add textural variety and visual interest to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 636 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 395 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 51 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg