Introduction
Few dishes can match the luxurious, creamy, and smoky goodness of a well-made Chicken Bacon Alfredo. One-Pan Chicken Bacon Alfredo is not only rich in flavor but also incredibly simple to make, making it a favorite for busy weeknights. Imagine tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fettuccine pasta bathed in a velvety Alfredo sauce infused with the deep, smoky flavor of paprika. This dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection!
In this post, we’ll walk you through every detail—from ingredients to storage tips—ensuring that your Alfredo turns out perfectly creamy and delicious every time. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love One-Pan Chicken Bacon Alfredo
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Smoky & Creamy: The combination of smoked paprika, crispy bacon, and Parmesan creates an unbeatable depth of flavor.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
- Customizable: You can swap ingredients to fit your dietary needs.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bacon Alfredo:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Necessary Tools for One-Pan Chicken Bacon Alfredo
- Large skillet or pan (for a true one-pan experience)
- Wooden spoon (for stirring)
- Sharp knife (for slicing chicken and bacon)
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Pasta Alternatives: Use whole wheat fettuccine, gluten-free pasta, or zucchini noodles.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for more nutrition.
- Spice It Up: For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2: Crisp the Bacon
- In the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Remove bacon and set aside with the chicken.
3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- Add garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
4: Combine Everything
- Add cooked fettuccine pasta, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet, stirring everything together.
5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success of One-Pan Chicken Bacon Alfredo
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce consistency.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—it should be juicy and tender.
- Thin out the sauce with extra chicken broth if needed.
- Toss the pasta immediately into the sauce for even coating.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Pair with a glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay.
Storing & Reheating
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions – One-Pan Chicken Bacon Alfredo
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just heat it up before adding it to the sauce.
2. How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
Add an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese.
3. Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Try penne, linguine, or spaghetti.
4. Is smoked paprika necessary?
It adds depth, but you can substitute it with regular paprika.
5. Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or peas make great additions.
Conclusion
This Creamy One-Pan Sweet & Smoky Chicken Bacon Alfredo is a must-try recipe for lovers of rich, comforting meals. Give it a shot and let us know how it turns out in the comments! 🍽️😍
