Introduction
If you ask me what my idea of comfort food is, it usually involves pasta. Creamy sauces, smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and a touch of green for freshness—yes, please! That’s exactly what makes Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon and Peas one of my all-time favorite weeknight dinners.
I first had a version of this dish years ago at a cozy little Italian café tucked away in my hometown. It was one of those places where the menu felt like a hug—nothing fancy, just good, hearty food. I ordered penne with chicken, peas, and bacon on a whim, and I still remember the first bite: silky cream sauce, a burst of sweetness from the peas, smokiness from the bacon, and perfectly tender chicken. It was love at first forkful.
Fast-forward to today, and it has become a go-to recipe in my kitchen. Why? Because it checks all the boxes:
✔️ Quick (ready in 25–30 minutes)
✔️ Affordable (uses simple pantry/freezer staples)
✔️ Kid-friendly and family-approved
✔️ Comforting but not overly heavy
This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something cozy and satisfying but don’t feel like spending hours cooking. And trust me—it’s so good that your family will think you secretly went to culinary school.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon and Peas:
Pasta Base
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta like rigatoni or farfalle)
Protein & Veggies
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon (diced)
- 1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (adds depth and prevents heaviness)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional but brightens the dish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Substitution Ideas
- Gluten-Free: Swap penne for gluten-free pasta.
- Healthier: Use turkey bacon and half-and-half instead of cream.
- Vegan: Skip the chicken and bacon; substitute with sautéed mushrooms and vegan bacon or smoked tempeh. Use plant-based cream and Parmesan.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, asparagus tips, or zucchini for more color and nutrition.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is designed to be simple and stress-free. Here’s how to make Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon and Peas at home
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
👉 Pro tip: Adding enough salt to the water is crucial—it should taste like the sea. This ensures the pasta itself is flavorful.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy and golden, about 5–6 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add olive oil (or butter) to the same skillet with the bacon fat. Add chicken cubes, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits (hello, flavor!). Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Add the Good Stuff
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and peas. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat every piece of pasta.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in lemon zest and sprinkle with parsley for freshness. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan if you’re like me and believe there’s no such thing as too much cheese.
Extra Tips
- Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with garlic bread or focaccia to mop up that creamy sauce.
- Add a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for balance.
- Wine pairing? A chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio works beautifully.
- Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
- Avoid microwaving for too long—it can make the sauce split.
- Variations:
- Add mushrooms for an earthy twist.
- Use pancetta instead of bacon for a more authentic Italian flavor.
- Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: ~560
- Protein: 34 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 4 g
👉 For a detailed breakdown, see the official Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon and Peas Nutrition Facts.
FAQ Section
Q: How long does Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon and Peas take to make?
A: About 25–30 minutes total, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Q: Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
A: Yes! Turkey, shrimp, or even leftover rotisserie chicken all work wonderfully.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well—they tend to separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a couple of days.
Conclusion
There you have it—Chicken Penne Pasta with Bacon and Peas, a dish that proves comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients and under 30 minutes of cooking, you get a creamy, smoky, and downright irresistible pasta that’ll have everyone at the table going back for seconds.
Whether you’re cooking for the family, making a cozy date-night dinner, or just craving a bowl of creamy pasta goodness, this recipe is here to deliver.
👉 If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share your photos, and let me know if you added your own twist. Until then, buon appetito! 🍝🥓🐔🌿