Creamy Chicken Bacon Penne served in a bowl topped with herbs

Creamy Chicken and Bacon Penne

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Chicken and Bacon Penne is a comforting dish that blends the flavors of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce with pasta. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a simple weeknight meal. The combination of ingredients makes it a satisfying and filling option that everyone will enjoy!

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Bacon Penne

Ingredients

  • 500g Coles Brand Penne
  • 1 tbsp Red Island Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 500g Coles RSPCA Approved Chicken Breast Fillets, cut into 2cm pieces
  • 250g short-cut bacon rashers, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 cup (250ml) Campbell’s Real Stock Chicken
  • 2 Coles Brand Australian Free Range Egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup (185ml) thickened cream
  • 1 tbsp Coles Cornflour
  • 1/2 cup (40g) parmesan, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Directions

  1. Cook the Penne in a saucepan of boiling water following packet directions. Once done, drain the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate.
  4. In the same frying pan, add the sliced bacon and cook for 2 minutes, stirring until it is golden and starting to crisp.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together the crushed garlic, chicken stock, egg yolks, thickened cream, cornflour, and half of the grated parmesan. Season to taste.
  6. Return the chicken to the pan over low heat. Add the mixed egg and cream mixture along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the pasta is well coated and the sauce begins to thicken.
  7. Serve the dish topped with chopped parsley and the remaining grated parmesan.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Bacon Penne

Serve the Creamy Chicken and Bacon Penne hot, garnished with extra parsley and parmesan cheese if desired. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Store Creamy Chicken and Bacon Penne

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Tips to Make Creamy Chicken and Bacon Penne

  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
  • You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cornflour based on your preference.
  • Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can substitute the thickened cream with low-fat cream or Greek yogurt. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a healthier twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! You can use any pasta you like, such as fusilli or fettuccine.

Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Substitute chicken and bacon with veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, and use vegetable stock instead.

Q: Can I freeze Creamy Chicken and Bacon Penne?
A: It’s best to eat it fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to a month. Just remember the sauce may change texture after thawing.