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Creamy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta with Bacon – A One-Skillet Comfort Meal

Introduction

Imagine a dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and creamy flavors, all in one comforting skillet. This Creamy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta with Bacon is exactly that! Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich honey Dijon sauce come together in a simple, satisfying meal. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s a one-pan recipe, making cleanup a breeze!

Why You’ll Love Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta

  • One-Skillet Simplicity – Less mess, easy cleanup.
  • Perfect Flavor Balance – Savory bacon, creamy sauce, and a hint of sweetness from the honey.
  • Protein-Packed – Chicken and bacon make this a filling, satisfying meal.
  • Crowd-Pleasing – Ideal for family dinners or date nights.
  • Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Pasta:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, farfalle, or rotini works best)
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Necessary Tools for Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Strainer for pasta

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

  • Protein Swap – Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
  • Bacon Alternative – Try pancetta or turkey bacon.
  • Dairy-Free Option – Replace heavy cream with coconut cream.
  • Extra Veggies – Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms.
  • Spice It Up – Add red pepper flakes for heat.

Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside.

2: Prepare the Bacon

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy (about 5-7 minutes).
  3. Remove bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving some bacon grease in the pan.

3: Cook the Chicken

  1. Add chicken pieces to the skillet with the bacon grease.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Cook until browned and fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes).
  4. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the bacon.

4: Make the Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
  2. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.

5: Combine and Serve

  1. Add cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon back into the skillet.
  2. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Success of Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta

  • Don’t overcook the chicken – Keep it juicy by searing quickly.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts better and enhances the flavor.
  • Control the thickness – If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth.
  • Cook pasta al dente – It will absorb the sauce and stay firm.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with garlic bread and a side salad.
  • Pair with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay.
  • Top with extra Parmesan and crispy fried onions for texture.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

  • Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth.
  • Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the sauce from separating.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 610 kcal
  • Protein: 42g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 8g

Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta

FAQs – Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store the sauce separately and mix it with fresh pasta when ready to serve.

2. What can I use instead of honey?

Maple syrup or agave syrup works well.

3. How can I make this low-carb?

Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

5. What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

Short pasta like penne, farfalle, or rotini works best for holding the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and easy to make! With simple ingredients and just one skillet, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in 30 minutes. Try it tonight and let us know what you think!

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