This creamy bacon and chicken veggie pasta is a delightful fusion of rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce.
Photos of Creamy Bacon and Chicken Veggie Pasta
When preparing this recipe, be mindful of a few ingredients that may not be staples in every kitchen. Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness and can usually be found in the canned vegetable aisle. Asparagus provides a nice crunch and can be located in the produce section. Ensure you have plenty of milk on hand, as this recipe requires a generous amount to achieve its creamy texture.
Ingredients for Creamy Bacon and Chicken Veggie Pasta
Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory element to the dish.
Chicken breast: Provides lean protein and a tender texture.
Seasoned salt: Enhances the overall flavor with a mix of spices.
Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
Onion: Contributes a slight sweetness and aroma.
Asparagus: Offers a fresh, crunchy texture.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust, savory flavor.
Spinach: Adds a nutritious, leafy element.
Sun-dried tomato: Imparts a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
Milk: Creates the creamy base of the sauce.
Rotini pasta: Perfectly holds the creamy sauce in its twists.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding a rich, umami flavor.
One reader, Aura German says:
This creamy bacon and chicken veggie pasta is a delightful blend of flavors! The bacon adds a savory crunch, while the chicken and veggies make it hearty and nutritious. The parmesan cheese ties everything together perfectly. A must-try for pasta lovers!
Essential Techniques for Crafting Creamy Bacon and Chicken Veggie Pasta
How to crisp bacon: Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it becomes crispy. How to drain excess grease: Remove excess bacon grease from the pot, leaving about 3 tablespoons. How to cook chicken: Season chicken with seasoned salt and pepper, then cook until nicely browned. How to sauté vegetables: Cook onions and asparagus until onions become translucent, then add garlic and spinach and stir until spinach is wilted. How to bring milk to a boil: Pour milk over the veggie and bacon mixture and heat until it starts to bubble, stirring periodically. How to cook pasta in milk: Add pasta to the boiling milk and stir frequently until it reaches your desired doneness. How to melt cheese: Stir in chicken and parmesan cheese until the cheese is fully melted.
How To Make Creamy Bacon and Chicken Veggie Pasta
We’re not one to brag but this creamy one pot recipe only takes 20 minutes to make! It’s got chicken, it’s got bacon, and it’s got veggies all in one dish!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 5stripsbacon,thick cut, sliced
- 1lbchicken breast,cubed
- 1tspseasoned salt
- pepper,to taste
- 1small onion,sliced
- ½lbasparagus,cut into 1-inch or 2½ cm long pieces
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- 2cupsspinach,fresh
- ⅓cupsun-dried tomato,roughly chopped
- 6cupsmilk
- 1lbrotini pasta
- 1¼cupsparmesan cheese,shredded
Instructions
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In a large pot, crisp the bacon on medium heat.
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Drain excess grease so there’s about 3 tablespoons left in the pot.
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Add in the chicken, season with half of the seasoned salt and pepper, and cook.
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Once the chicken is nicely browned, remove it from the pan but leave the bacon.
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Add in the onion and asparagus. Stir until the onions begin to become translucent.
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Add the garlic and spinach. Stir until spinach is wilted.
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Add in the sun-dried tomatoes and season with remaining salt and pepper.
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Pour milk over veggie and bacon mixture, and bring to a boil. Stir periodically so the bottom does not burn.
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Once milk is bubbling, add pasta and stir frequently until pasta reaches your desired doneness.
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Stir in chicken and parmesan cheese and mix until cheese is melted.
Nutrition
- Calories: 809.94kcal
- Fat: 33.90g
- Saturated Fat: 15.13g
- Trans Fat: 0.11g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.57g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.21g
- Carbohydrates: 75.55g
- Fiber: 4.42g
- Sugar: 17.23g
- Protein: 49.36g
- Cholesterol: 109.80mg
- Sodium: 1148.03mg
- Calcium: 702.69mg
- Potassium: 1011.97mg
- Iron: 3.52mg
- Vitamin A: 260.17µg
- Vitamin C: 7.43mg
Elevate Your Pasta Game with This Crucial Technique Tip
To ensure your bacon is perfectly crisp, start by placing it in a cold pot and then gradually bring the heat up to medium. This allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in evenly cooked, crispy bacon.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Delicious Pasta Recipe
Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly add it to the dish without waiting for it to crisp.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Buy pre-cooked chicken breast or use leftovers to save time on cooking and seasoning the chicken.
Chop veggies in advance: Prepare and chop the onion, asparagus, garlic, and spinach ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
Use jarred sun-dried tomatoes: Opt for sun-dried tomatoes that come pre-chopped in a jar to save chopping time.
Quick-cook pasta: Use quick-cooking pasta varieties to reduce the time needed to reach your desired doneness.
Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Bacon and Chicken Veggie Pasta
bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option and provides a similar smoky flavor.
chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based protein that can absorb flavors well, making it a good substitute for chicken.
seasoned salt - Substitute with garlic powder and paprika: This combination can provide a similar depth of flavor without the added sodium.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the dish's color.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, making them a good alternative.
asparagus - Substitute with broccoli: Broccoli offers a similar texture and nutritional profile, making it a suitable replacement.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor when fresh garlic is not available.
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and nutritional benefits, making it a good alternative to spinach.
sun-dried tomato - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers offer a similar sweetness and texture, adding a different but complementary flavor.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a dairy-free option that can provide a similar creamy texture.
rotini pasta - Substitute with whole wheat pasta: Whole wheat pasta offers more fiber and nutrients, making it a healthier alternative.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative to parmesan cheese.
Elevate Your Dinner Presentation with These Tips
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the creamy bacon and chicken veggie pasta in a smaller, more refined portion to highlight the elegance of the dish. Use a ring mold to shape the pasta neatly on the plate.
Use decoration: Garnish with a few fresh spinach leaves and a sprinkle of finely grated parmesan cheese on top. Add a small drizzle of olive oil around the plate for a touch of sophistication.
Highlight key ingredients: Place a few pieces of crispy bacon and a couple of perfectly cooked chicken breast slices on top of the pasta to showcase the main proteins.
Add color contrast: Include a few vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and blanched asparagus tips around the pasta to add a pop of color and visual appeal.
Use a clean, white plate: Serve the dish on a clean, white plate to make the colors of the veggies and pasta stand out, enhancing the overall presentation.
Create height: Stack the pasta slightly higher in the center of the plate to create a sense of height and dimension, making the dish look more dynamic and appealing.
Finish with a touch of herbs: Add a small sprig of fresh thyme or basil on top for a final touch of elegance and a hint of fresh aroma.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Creamy Pasta Dishes
Large pot: Used for cooking the bacon, chicken, and the entire pasta dish. It needs to be large enough to hold all the ingredients and allow for stirring.
Tongs: Handy for turning the bacon and chicken while they cook, ensuring even browning.
Slotted spoon: Useful for removing the chicken from the pot while leaving the bacon behind.
Knife: Essential for chopping the onion, asparagus, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping all the vegetables and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Needed for measuring the seasoned salt and pepper accurately.
Measuring cups: Used for measuring the milk and parmesan cheese.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients in the pot, especially when adding the milk and pasta.
Colander: Useful for draining excess grease from the bacon.
Grater: Needed if you are using a block of parmesan cheese that needs to be grated.
Serving spoon: For serving the finished creamy bacon and chicken veggie pasta.
Mastering the Art of Storing and Freezing Creamy Pasta Dishes
- Allow the creamy bacon and chicken veggie pasta to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- If you plan to freeze the pasta, follow these steps:
- Divide the cooled pasta into individual serving portions or freeze it as a whole batch, depending on your preference.
- Place the pasta in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed pasta in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and the sauce is smooth and creamy. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce's consistency.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
- Note that the texture of the pasta and vegetables may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the dish will still be delicious and satisfying.
- Frozen creamy bacon and chicken veggie pasta can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Pasta
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover creamy bacon and chicken veggie pasta to a saucepan or skillet. Add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Heat the pasta over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it's heated through and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add more milk or cream as needed.
Microwave method: place the leftover pasta in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of milk or cream. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave the pasta on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overheat the pasta, as this can cause the sauce to separate or become grainy.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover pasta to an oven-safe dish and add a splash of milk or cream. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is bubbly. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly and develop a crispy texture.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the pasta well to distribute the sauce evenly and prevent any dry spots. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, don't hesitate to add more milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency.
To add extra flavor and freshness to your reheated pasta, consider garnishing it with some freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
Fascinating Trivia About Creamy Bacon and Chicken Veggie Pasta
A unique aspect of this creamy bacon and chicken veggie pasta recipe is the use of milk as the primary liquid for cooking the pasta. This technique allows the pasta to absorb the milk, resulting in a rich and creamy texture without the need for a separate sauce.
Budget-Friendly Cooking: Is This Pasta Recipe Economical?
This creamy bacon and chicken veggie pasta recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With ingredients like bacon, chicken breast, asparagus, spinach, and rotini pasta, it balances protein and vegetables well. The use of milk and parmesan cheese adds a rich, creamy texture without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Creamy Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- High saturated fat content from the bacon and cheese
- Excessive use of milk, which adds calories and fat
- Lack of a variety of vegetables
- Use of white pasta, which is less nutritious than whole grain alternatives
However, with a few tweaks, this dish can be transformed into a more balanced and nutritious meal.
Here are some suggestions to make this recipe healthier:
- Replace the bacon with a leaner protein source, such as turkey bacon or grilled chicken breast
- Reduce the amount of cheese used, or opt for a lower-fat variety like part-skim mozzarella
- Swap the whole milk for a lower-fat alternative, such as 2% or skim milk, or use a combination of milk and chicken broth for added flavor with fewer calories
- Incorporate a wider array of vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes, to boost the nutrient content and add more fiber
- Use whole grain pasta instead of white pasta to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates
- Reduce the overall portion size and pair the dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced meal
By implementing these changes, you can enjoy a tasty and satisfying pasta dish that better aligns with a healthy lifestyle.
Editor's Opinion: Why This Creamy Pasta Dish Is a Must-Try
This recipe for creamy bacon and chicken veggie pasta is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The crisp bacon adds a smoky depth, while the seasoned chicken provides a hearty protein base. The combination of asparagus, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes introduces a vibrant medley of vegetables, perfectly balanced by the creamy milk and parmesan sauce. Cooking the pasta directly in the milk ensures it absorbs maximum flavor, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish. Overall, it's a well-rounded, comforting meal that is both nutritious and indulgent.
Enhance Your Creamy Bacon and Chicken Veggie Pasta with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Creamy Bacon and Chicken Veggie Pasta:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of bacon and chicken with fresh veggies like asparagus and spinach. The creamy milk base ensures a luscious texture, while parmesan cheese adds a savory finish. Each step is designed for ease and maximum flavor, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Trust this recipe for a satisfying and nutritious meal that brings comfort and gourmet taste to your table.
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