Creamy Pasta with Chicken and Bacon

Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Bacon is the perfect weeknight dinner—rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor! With crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a velvety Parmesan sauce, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Plus, it comes together in under 40 minutes!

Ingredients

• 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups cooked chicken (grilled or shredded)
• 3 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (use as needed for consistency)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup spinach or kale

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet (for cooking bacon, chicken, and sauce)
• Cutting board & knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¾ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon and Chicken. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove it, drain it on a paper towel, and crumble it. In the same skillet, cook the chicken (if using raw) for 6-8 minutes per side, seasoning with salt and pepper. Once cooked, slice or shred it.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce. In the same skillet, add butter or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes. Lower heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes). If adding cherry tomatoes or spinach, stir them in now and cook until softened.
4. Combine Everything. Add the cooked pasta, bacon, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. Serve & Garnish. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Betty’s Pro Tips

• Extra Creamy Sauce? Stir in ½ cup cream cheese or mascarpone for an ultra-rich texture.
• Want a Lighter Option? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk (just add 1 tbsp cornstarch to thicken).
• Love a Smoky Flavor? Use smoked bacon and a dash of smoked paprika for depth.
• Make it Spicy! Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.