Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta Recipe
If you think making a delicious pasta dish takes hours, think again. Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta is quick, easy, and perfect for busy nights. With just one skillet, you can create a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. This recipe combines savory chicken, crispy bacon, and earthy mushrooms in a creamy sauce. Want to know how to prepare this tasty dish? Let’s break down the steps to get you cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you’re looking for a delicious meal that won’t break the bank, this Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta recipe stands out.
It’s budget-friendly, using simple, affordable pantry staples like pasta, chicken, and bacon. This dish not only satisfies large appetites with its hearty ingredients but also makes meal prep easy. Additionally, it is loaded with protein to keep you feeling full longer.
You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, and since it’s all made in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze. Plus, it’s customizable; feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust it for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.
Whether you’re cooking for a family or a gathering, this recipe makes it easy to serve a crowd without overspending. You’ll love how simple and satisfying it is!
History
Creamy mushroom pasta has a rich history that traces back to Italy, where the combination of pasta and fresh ingredients is celebrated.
In Italian kitchens, mushrooms were once prized for their earthy flavors, leading to the natural pairing with creamy sauces. Over time, this combination evolved, becoming a luxurious dish enjoyed around the world. Each region in Italy, like Tuscany, developed its own variations, including the well-known Pasta Boscaiola, or “Woodman’s Pasta,” which features savory mushrooms and fresh mushrooms. Seasonal ingredients play a vital role, with foraged mushrooms often used in fall and winter recipes.
Today, home cooks embrace this tradition, creating hearty meals with various types of pasta and mushrooms, showcasing the dish’s flexibility and comfort.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 7 pieces cooked bacon
- 8 oz mushrooms
- 12 oz gluten-free fusilli pasta
- 5 oz shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tbsp garlic olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning
Cooking Instructions
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Begin by cooking the gluten-free fusilli pasta according to the package directions for al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, add garlic olive oil over medium heat and sear the chicken breast until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to cool, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
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In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside with the chicken.
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In the same skillet, fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble it and set aside.
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To prepare the sauce, deglaze the pan with melted butter, adding shallots and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute, then add the flour to make a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes until golden.
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Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth until you have a smooth sauce. If needed, you can add half and half or whole milk for a creamier texture.
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Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and additional herbs as desired. Under-cooking pasta allows it to soak up sauce, enhancing flavor.
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Finally, add the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and sautéed mushrooms to the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
For extra tips, consider preparing your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pecorino, to enhance the flavor profile.
If you’re looking to add more nutrition, feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta!
Final Thoughts
Cooking can be a rewarding experience, especially when you create a dish that impresses both your taste buds and your dinner guests.
This Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta isn’t only quick to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. You can even make gluten-free or dairy-free versions to suit different diets. Additionally, using leftovers or fresh chicken helps to create a budget-friendly meal without sacrificing flavor.
Remember to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture and consider using a roux for a creamy sauce. The rich flavors of bacon and mushrooms, combined with fresh herbs, elevate the dish.
Just keep portion sizes in mind to maintain a balanced meal. Enjoy exploring different ingredient combinations to make this dish your own!
FAQ
Have questions about making Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta? First, make sure you cook your pasta until it’s al dente.
Crisp the bacon in a pan, then sauté the mushrooms in the same pan for added flavor. When cooking chicken, season it well and make sure it’s cooked through. You can also enhance your dish by incorporating a creamy sauce that combines cream, balsamic vinegar, and seasonings.
For the sauce, mix cream, Parmesan, and your choice of spices. If you want to customize your dish, you can use different types of pasta or substitute the chicken with shrimp or leftover meats.
For a vegan option, skip the bacon and chicken, adding vegetables like spinach instead.
