If you’re craving a rich, cheesy, and comforting meal, this Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice! Loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious cream cheese sauce, this dish is an easy, family-friendly dinner that comes together in one pot.
Whether you’re looking for one-pot chicken bacon pasta for a quick weeknight meal or a creamy casserole-style dish like chicken bacon pasta casserole, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, it’s packed with delicious flavors that make it one of the best cream cheese ideas dinners for pasta lovers!
Let’s dive into this decadent chicken cream cheese spaghetti recipe that will quickly become a staple in your home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta
✔ One-Pot Meal – Fewer dishes, less mess, and easy cleanup.
✔ Ultra Creamy Sauce – Made with cream cheese, milk, and parmesan for a smooth, velvety texture.
✔ Loaded with Flavor – Bacon, ranch seasoning, and garlic bring bold and savory goodness.
✔ Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
✔ Kid-Friendly – A dish the whole family will love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Optional Garnishes:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
Kitchen Equipment Required
✔ Large skillet or pot – For cooking the pasta and sauce.
✔ Cutting board and sharp knife – To prep the chicken and bacon.
✔ Tongs or spatula – To toss everything together.
✔ Cheese grater – For freshly grated parmesan.
How to Make Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same pot, add cream cheese, milk, and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the cream cheese melts. Stir in the parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing until smooth.
Step 4: Add the Bacon and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pot, along with the crumbled bacon. Stir well, allowing the flavors to blend. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Toss with Pasta and Serve
Add the drained pasta to the pot and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Bacon Pasta
✔ Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – It melts better and adds a richer flavor.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Cook just until tender to avoid dryness.
✔ Save Some Pasta Water – Helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
✔ Let the Bacon Cool Before Crumbling – Makes it easier to break into crispy pieces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Overcooking the Pasta – Cook until just al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.
🚫 Skipping the Pasta Water – Helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
🚫 Not Softening the Cream Cheese – Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly.
Variations and Substitutions
✔ Use Different Pasta – Try penne, fettuccine, or rotini instead of spaghetti.
✔ Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
✔ Swap the Protein – Use shrimp, turkey, or Italian sausage instead of chicken.
✔ Vegetarian Option – Skip the chicken and bacon, and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent drying out.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
🍞 With Garlic Bread – Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread.
🥗 With a Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness.
🧀 Extra Cheese on Top – Add a sprinkle of parmesan before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe.
2. What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work best.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store the sauce and pasta separately, then reheat and combine before serving.
4. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Add more parmesan cheese or let it simmer for a few extra minutes.
Conclusion & Call to Action
This Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, making it the perfect one-pot chicken bacon pasta for busy nights. Whether you’re looking for a chicken bacon pasta casserole or a delicious chicken bacon noodles recipe, this dish delivers!
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe for more chicken cream cheese spaghetti recipes!
PrintCheese Bacon Chicken Pasta : A Flavorful Recipe
If you’re craving a rich, cheesy, and comforting meal, this Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Optional Garnishes:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add cream cheese, milk, and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the cream cheese melts. Stir in the parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing until smooth.
Return the cooked chicken to the pot, along with the crumbled bacon. Stir well, allowing the flavors to blend. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Add the drained pasta to the pot and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
✔ Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – It melts better and adds a richer flavor.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Cook just until tender to avoid dryness.
✔ Save Some Pasta Water – Helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
Keywords: One Pot Chicken Bacon Pasta