Smoky + Creamy Chicken Pasta (One Pan!)

One of our favorite restaurants served a pasta dish just like this. It was about seventeen dollars, which I now realize is totally insane. Years later, when that was way out of the budget, I set out to recreate it at home.

I’m not sure if any of the ingredients I use are the same as that restaurant, but the end result tastes very similar and is completely delicious. I will keep my seventeen dollars. 

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

For this recipe, it’s helpful to have everything pre-measured and chopped since it will move fast. Do not overcook your pasta. It is ok if the pasta is on the firm side, as it will continue to cook a little if added to the sauce. Use a pan that is large enough to hold all the sauce plus all the cooked pasta. I like a wide, deep sauté pan, but a large saucepan will work as well.

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• 1 pound cooked penne pasta
• 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins or pounded thin
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ tablespoons smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 clove garlic
• ¼ cup minced onion
• 1¼ cups chicken broth divided
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup grated Parmesan

How to Make Smoky Chicken Pasta With Cream Sauce

Step One: Cook The Bacon

In a very large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towels, crumble, and set aside. Dispose of most of the bacon grease, but do not clean the pan.

Step Two: Cook The Chicken And Pasta

Heat the pan over medium-high and cook the chicken breast 3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove to a cutting board, cover with foil, and let rest while you prepare the sauce. (This is a good time to start cooking the penne.)

Step Three: Cook The Veggies And Spices

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in the same large skillet. Add the salt, sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne, and onion. Cook until the onion is translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook one minute more.

Step Four: Add Liquids

Add 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping the pan to incorporate all the seasonings. Add the cream and milk and simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce reduces slightly. (Meanwhile, slice the cooked chicken)

Step Five: Thicken The Sauce

In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the remaining ¼ cup of chicken broth with the flour and add to the sauce to thicken it. Add the grated parmesan. Simmer over low heat while stirring until cheese is melted.

Step Six: Assemble And Serve

Pour the cooked pasta into the sauce, stir, and add the bacon, cooked chicken, additional parmesan, and any herbs or fresh veggies you’d like. Serve immediately.

Storing and Serving

Any green salad will work well on the side of this meal

And of course, you must serve bread! This soft Italian bread recipe would be perfect.

An easy, creamy dessert like vanilla cream pie is just the right balance.

More Pasta Dishes

• This cast iron skillet mac and cheese is another one-pan, delicious dinner.
• Grandma’s macaroni salad is the potluck classic you love, with an updated twist!
• One of our favorite weeknight meals is spinach and chicken skillet pasta.
• My easy chicken marsala doesn’t have to be served with pasta, but it tastes much better that way.

Printable Recipe