Description
Chicken Alfredo with Bacon
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing.
Cook the Bacon:
In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and crumble when cooled.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat.
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese (and cream cheese if using), stirring constantly until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine:
Toss the cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce until evenly coated. Plate the pasta and top with sliced chicken and crumbled bacon.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
This dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let me know if you’d like any tips or variations!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed sequence for perfect results. First, start your pasta water boiling in a large, salted pot. While it heats, season and cook your chicken breasts in a large skillet. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest. In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then remove it. Now, cook your pasta according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, use the same skillet (with bacon drippings for flavor) to make your Alfredo sauce: melt butter, sauté garlic, simmer cream, and whisk in cheeses until smooth. Finally, drain the pasta, toss it in the sauce, and top with sliced chicken and crumbled bacon.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance the meal. Serve it with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic breadsticks for dipping, or simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. For a restaurant-style touch, present the pasta in a warm bowl, garnished with fresh parsley, extra grated Parmesan, and a crack of black pepper. A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
How-to Summary
To make Chicken Alfredo with Bacon: 1) Boil and drain your pasta. 2) Season and pan-sear chicken breasts, then set aside. 3) Cook bacon in the same pan and set aside. 4) In the bacon drippings, make the sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, adding cream, and whisking in Parmesan. 5) Toss the pasta in the sauce, top with sliced chicken and crumbled bacon, then garnish and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked or grilled chicken? Absolutely. Using leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply slice or shred the chicken and add it to the pasta when you add the bacon to warm through.
How can I prevent my Alfredo sauce from breaking or becoming grainy? The key is gentle heat. Never boil the sauce after adding the cheese. Keep the heat on low-medium and add grated Parmesan gradually, stirring constantly until it melts smoothly.
What’s the best substitute for heavy cream? For a slightly lighter version, half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be thinner. To thicken it, let it simmer a bit longer or add a little more Parmesan cheese.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep components ahead (cook bacon, season chicken, grate cheese), but for best results, assemble and serve immediately after making the sauce, as pasta continues to absorb liquid.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using pre-grated Parmesan: The anti-caking agents can make your sauce grainy. Always grate fresh Parmesan from a block.
- Overcooking the garlic: Sauté minced garlic just until fragrant (30-60 seconds). Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
- Adding cheese to a boiling liquid: This causes the fats to separate. Ensure your cream is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, before adding cheese.
- Letting the finished pasta sit too long: The pasta will absorb the sauce and become dry. Have everyone ready to eat and serve it right away.
Conclusion
This Chicken Alfredo with Bacon recipe transforms simple ingredients into a decadent, restaurant-quality meal. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a luxuriously creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. The addition of smoky bacon and seasoned chicken elevates the classic Alfredo into a truly satisfying main course. It’s a versatile dish sure to become a favorite for both busy weeknights and special dinners. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!