Creamy Chicken and Bacon Fettuccine Pasta
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
📝 Ingredients:
12 oz fettuccine pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for tangy depth)
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 1 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.
3. Sear the Chicken:
Add olive oil to the pan. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Cook until golden and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in Dijon mustard (if using), then add chicken broth and deglaze the pan.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
5. Add Cheese & Combine:
Stir in Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika. Let melt into the sauce.
Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the pan.
Toss in the cooked fettuccine until fully coated.
6. Garnish & Serve:
Top with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.
Serve warm in rustic bowls with crusty bread on the side if desired.
🍽 Tip:
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers!