Cream of Chicken and Bacon for the Pasta Topping

Mar 25, 2023

4 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Cream of Chicken and Bacon for the Dough Topping

A Creamy Chicken and Bacon Dressing for Pasta with a Mediterranean Twist

If you're in search of a quick yet delicious meal, look no further than this creamy chicken and bacon dressing for pasta. This dish not only comes together in just a few minutes, but it also boasts a delightful Mediterranean twist that elevates its flavor profile to something truly special. Trust me when I say, once you try it, you'll find yourself coming back for more!

Ingredients and Flavor Profile

The key to this dish lies in its ingredients. The creamy dressing is enriched by the savory flavors of crispy bacon and tender chicken. The bacon, in particular, adds a rich, smoky undertone that complements the creaminess of the sauce beautifully. There's no need to worry about adding extra salt to the dish, as the bacon is inherently salty and provides all the seasoning you’ll need. Moreover, the store-bought chicken is typically seasoned and partially cooked, which saves you time and effort in the kitchen.

I often use AIA packs for the chicken, which are known for their quality and flavor, but feel free to choose any brand that suits your taste or is available to you. The convenience of using pre-cooked chicken not only shortens the preparation time but also ensures that your meal is ready in a flash.

Preparation Steps

To prepare this delicious pasta dish, simply follow a straightforward recipe that makes the cooking experience enjoyable and hassle-free. Start by cooking your pasta of choice according to the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. While the pasta is cooking, you can focus on the dressing.

In a large skillet, cook the bacon until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, allowing the rendered fat to remain in the pan. This fat will serve as the base for your creamy dressing.

Next, add the pre-cooked chicken to the skillet, allowing it to warm through and soak in the flavors of the bacon fat. After a few minutes, pour in some heavy cream, stirring to combine everything. The cream will create a luscious and velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

For that Mediterranean twist, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the mix. These ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also contribute vibrant colors and textures to the dish.

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, it's time to combine it with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated with the creamy chicken and bacon dressing. Finally, crumble the crispy bacon on top for added crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper for an extra kick. You can also add a side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal, making it a satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this creamy chicken and bacon dressing for pasta is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful, thanks to the Mediterranean twist. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can create a delightful dish that is sure to impress both family and friends. Enjoy every bite, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving it again soon!

Ingredients: simple, total time: 30 min, 2 servings

Preparation:

Assemble all ingredients as specified above.
Begin by placing a deep pasta pot on the stove and adding 1 tablespoon of sea salt. Once the water reaches a boil, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions; I prefer to prepare Italian pasta al dente, which means it should be slightly firm. Reserve the pasta cooking water by setting aside approximately 12 tablespoons.
Sauté the bacon in a deep frying pan with a minimal amount of oil (1 tablespoon). Once it becomes translucent, remove it from the pan.
In the same pan, add the chopped onion and butter, frying for about 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes golden. Then, add the chicken strips and cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Incorporate the fried, diced bacon, garlic, oregano, and pepper, stirring for about a minute.
Subsequently, add the cooking cream and stir, allowing it to cook for about 3 minutes. Then, add 150 ml of the reserved pasta water and mix thoroughly.
In the final 2 minutes, introduce the grated Parmesan and parsley, cooking for an additional 2 – 3 minutes before turning off the heat.
Pour this cream sauce over your choice of pasta, such as macaroni, spaghetti, fettuccine, rigatoni, or penne. Alternatively, you can combine the pasta directly in the pan before adding the Parmesan and water. Enjoy this delightful dish.

Buon appetito!