Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta | The Ultimate Comfort Food Fix

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of creamy pasta to bring comfort to your day. This Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is a warm, satisfying dish that’s quick enough for busy nights and delicious enough to impress guests. With tender bites of chicken, crisp bacon, and a rich, velvety cream cheese sauce, every forkful delivers big flavor. Made with easy pantry staples, this recipe brings restaurant-style indulgence to your home kitchen.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both cozy and crowd-pleasing, this pasta checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every noodle beautifully
• Smoky bacon adds depth and crispy texture
• Easy and fast—done in about 35 minutes
• Ideal for a family dinner or meal prep
• One pan for the sauce keeps cleanup simple

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is built on basic ingredients that come together to create a rich, full-bodied dish.

• Spaghetti (16 oz): Long noodles that hold sauce well. Penne or fusilli would work as alternatives.
• Thick-Cut Bacon (5 slices): Adds smokiness and crunch, while the drippings serve as the cooking base for added flavor.
• Chicken Breast (1 lb, boneless and skinless): Diced into small cubes, chicken brings a lean, hearty protein to balance the richness.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Aromatic and flavorful, garlic enhances every layer of the dish.
• Chicken Broth (1½ cups): Acts as the savory base for the sauce and balances the richness of the dairy.
• Milk (1 cup): Helps the sauce become smooth and pourable while keeping it light.
• Cream Cheese (8 oz, cubed): The heart of the sauce, cream cheese provides a luscious, tangy body.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds a salty, nutty punch and helps thicken the final sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and flavor adjustment at each stage.

How to Make Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta

The process starts with cooking your pasta until just tender, then crisping the bacon in a skillet to build flavor. The bacon grease is used to sear chicken pieces, then garlic is added for depth. The creamy sauce is built by melting cream cheese into a mixture of broth and milk, then finishing with parmesan for that cheesy richness. Once everything is combined, you get a dish that’s indulgent, filling, and incredibly tasty.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain and set it aside. To avoid sticking, toss it lightly with olive oil if desired.

Step 2: Cook Bacon

Place bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat and cook until crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Once cool, crumble into pieces. Keep the grease in the skillet for the next step.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Sprinkle chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Sauté in the bacon fat for 2–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Reduce heat and add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about one minute, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 5: Add Liquids

Pour chicken broth and milk into the skillet. Use a spoon to scrape up any brown bits on the bottom, incorporating them into the sauce.

Step 6: Melt Cream Cheese

Drop in the cubed cream cheese, cover the pan, and let it soften. After a few minutes, uncover and whisk until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth.

Step 7: Add Parmesan

Stir in the parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Add the spaghetti and mix everything together until fully coated and warmed through.

Step 9: Serve

Plate the pasta while it’s still hot and creamy. Sprinkle with extra cheese or herbs if desired, then serve immediately.

Helpful Tips

• Use full-fat block cream cheese for the best results.
• Whisk the sauce steadily for a silky finish.
• Avoid high heat once the dairy is added to prevent curdling.
• Add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Details

• Flavor: Rich and cheesy with savory bacon and seasoned chicken
• Texture: Creamy sauce with tender meat and perfectly cooked pasta
• Occasion: Comforting dinner, casual family meal, or cozy lunch leftovers
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Notes: Variations or Swaps

• Try it with rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
• Use a different pasta like shells or bowties.
• Add in vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms for a nutritional boost.
• Substitute half-and-half for the milk to make the sauce even richer.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	690 kcal
Carbohydrates	63 g
Protein	36 g
Fat	32 g
Sugar	6 g

These numbers are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cream cheese instead of heavy cream in pasta?
Yes, cream cheese makes a great substitute. It thickens sauces while adding a slightly tangy, creamy flavor.

How do I make sure the cream cheese sauce stays smooth?
Use low heat and whisk consistently as the cream cheese melts. Avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent clumping.

What pasta types go best with this sauce?
Spaghetti, fettuccine, or any shape that holds onto sauce well, like penne or rigatoni, are excellent choices.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can. Store the components separately in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with added milk or broth to bring back the creamy consistency.

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool to room temperature. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can freeze it for up to 2 months, although the texture may change slightly. Reheat on the stovetop with a bit of extra liquid to restore smoothness.

Print

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s filling, flavorful, and made from ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this meal delivers every time. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a go-to favorite in your home.

Related Recipes

• Pizza-Style Cottage Cheese Bake | Easy, High-Protein Comfort Food
• Super Moist Strawberry Banana Bread | Easy and Irresistible Anytime Treat
• Creamy Rice Pudding | Cozy Classic with a Silky Twist
• Homemade Naan Bread | Easy Skillet Recipe with No Yeast