Chicken & Bacon Penne with Parmesan and Fresh Basil
⭐ QUICK ANSWER
Cook penne pasta, crisp bacon, sauté chicken, build a light Parmesan sauce, toss everything together, and finish with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes. That’s the whole formula: boil → crisp → sauté → sauce → combine → garnish → serve.
📝 QUICK STEPS
🔪 Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain (reserve ½ cup pasta water).
🥓 Cook chopped bacon in a skillet until golden and crisp, then set aside.
🍗 Sauté chicken pieces in the bacon fat (or olive oil) until golden and cooked through.
🧄 Add garlic, cook briefly until fragrant.
🧀 Stir in chicken broth and half-and-half (or Greek yogurt), then gradually add Parmesan to make a smooth sauce.
🍝 Combine pasta, chicken, and bacon; toss gently with sauce, adding pasta water if needed.
🍅 Fold in cherry tomatoes and fresh basil off the heat.
🌿 Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil on top.
🛒 QUICK INGREDIENT LIST
🍝 Whole-wheat or high-protein penne pasta
🥓 Center-cut bacon or turkey bacon
🍗 Boneless, skinless chicken breast
🧄 Garlic cloves
🧀 Parmesan cheese
🥛 Half-and-half or plain Greek yogurt
🍅 Cherry tomatoes
🌿 Fresh basil
🫒 Olive oil
⚫ Black pepper
Optional: red pepper flakes, spinach, zucchini, peas
There are certain dinners that quietly earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation — not because they’re fancy, but because they show up for you when you need them most. This Chicken & Bacon Penne with Parmesan and Fresh Basil started as one of those “use what’s in the fridge” meals on a busy weeknight, when I wanted something comforting but didn’t want the heavy, over-the-top cream sauces that usually come with pasta dishes like this.
I remember standing at the stove, the smell of sizzling bacon filling the kitchen, wondering if I could lighten things up without losing what makes this dish so satisfying. A little less bacon, good olive oil, plenty of garlic, and a handful of fresh basil at the end completely changed the game. The result was a pasta that felt indulgent but still fresh — rich without being heavy, and flavorful without needing a long ingredient list.
Now, this version is my go-to when I want a dinner that feels cozy and familiar, but still fits into everyday, feel-good cooking. It’s the kind of recipe you make once, then keep coming back to — not because you have to, but because you genuinely want to.
📋 Recipe at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20–25 minutes |
| Total Time | About 40 minutes |
| Yield / Servings | Serves 4–6 |
| Difficulty | Easy — weeknight-friendly |
| Best For | Family dinners, meal prep, casual entertaining |
| Flavor Profile | Savory chicken, smoky bacon, nutty Parmesan, fresh basil brightness |
| Health Highlights / Tweaks | Whole-wheat or high-protein penne, reduced bacon, olive oil instead of butter, lighter cream option, added vegetables |
🛒 Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz whole-wheat penne (or high-protein penne)
- Salt, for pasta water
Chicken & Bacon
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 4 slices center-cut bacon or turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Parmesan Sauce
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup half-and-half or plain Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
To Finish
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- Optional vegetables: baby spinach, zucchini, peas
🥄 Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta Until Just Al Dente
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil.
Cook penne until al dente according to package directions.
➜ The pasta should be tender with a slight bite — not soft.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Crisp the Bacon Gently
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add bacon and cook until lightly crisp and golden.
➜ You want rendered fat and flavor, not brittle bacon.
Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Sauté the Chicken for Juicy Results
In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed.
Add chicken in a single layer and season lightly with black pepper.
Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
➜ Avoid overcrowding or the chicken will steam instead of browning.
Bloom the Garlic
Reduce heat to medium-low.
Add garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
➜ Garlic should smell aromatic and sweet, not toasted.
Build the Parmesan Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping the pan.
Lower heat and slowly stir in half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
Add Parmesan in small handfuls, stirring constantly.
➜ The sauce should look silky and lightly creamy, not thick or gluey.
Combine Pasta, Chicken & Bacon
Add drained pasta, chicken, and bacon back into the skillet.
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
➜ If the sauce tightens, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time.
Add Fresh Ingredients Off Heat
Remove skillet from heat.
Fold in cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
➜ Adding basil off heat preserves its color and aroma.
Final Taste & Adjust
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil on top.
✅ Tips for Success
- Salt your pasta water generously — this is the foundation of flavor
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting
- Keep heat low once dairy is added to prevent separation
- Slice basil just before serving to avoid bruising
🔄 Variations
- Extra Veggie Boost: Add spinach or zucchini during the final toss
- Dairy-Free: Use cashew cream and dairy-free Parmesan
- Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or chili paste
- Lower-Carb Option: Use chickpea pasta or zucchini noodles
⭐ Pro Tips
- Greek yogurt adds protein without heaviness — just keep heat gentle
- Center-cut bacon delivers smoky flavor with less grease
- Pasta water is the secret to a restaurant-style sauce finish
🧮 Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Serving)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 35–38 g
- Carbohydrates: ~42 g
- Fat: ~14 g
- Fiber: 6–7 g
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water
- Cook pasta and protein ahead and combine with sauce just before serving
- Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce
🥗 What to Serve With
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Sautéed green beans
- Whole-grain garlic bread
- Cucumber tomato salad
❓ FAQs About Chicken & Bacon Penne with Parmesan and Fresh Basil
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the components separately and combine when reheating.
Why did my sauce turn grainy?
The heat was too high when adding the cheese.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Add it during the final toss and warm gently.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes, when reheated carefully with added moisture.
📌 Pin This Recipe for Later
Save this Chicken & Bacon Penne with Parmesan and Fresh Basil for easy weeknight dinners, meal prep planning, or cozy family meals.
🛑 Food Safety
- Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
- Reheat until steaming hot
- Discard leftovers after 4 days
🍝 MORE COMFORTING CHICKEN PASTA RECIPES
Craving cozy, crowd-pleasing chicken pasta dishes that work for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or feeding a hungry family? These creamy, flavorful recipes are always a hit:
🍗 CHICKEN PENNE ALFREDO BAKE
A rich and comforting baked pasta made with tender chicken, penne pasta, and a creamy Alfredo sauce, finished with a golden, bubbly cheese topping. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or bringing to a potluck.
🦀 LUMP CRAB AND CORN PENNE
This elevated penne pasta combines sweet lump crab meat, juicy corn kernels, and a light, buttery sauce with tender chicken for a fresh yet indulgent twist. Ideal for summer dinners or when you want something a little special.
💍 ‘MARRY ME’ CHICKEN PASTA
A viral favorite for a reason—this creamy chicken pasta features sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a luscious sauce that’s packed with flavor. Perfect for date nights, cozy dinners, or impressing guests without extra effort.
Chicken & Bacon Penne with Parmesan and Fresh Basil
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients
Pasta
12 oz whole-wheat penne (or high-protein penne)
Salt, for pasta water
Chicken & Bacon
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
4 slices center-cut bacon or turkey bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Parmesan Sauce
¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup half-and-half or plain Greek yogurt
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
To Finish
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
Optional vegetables: baby spinach, zucchini, peas
Instructions
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil.
Cook penne until al dente according to package directions.
➜ The pasta should be tender with a slight bite — not soft.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add bacon and cook until lightly crisp and golden.
➜ You want rendered fat and flavor, not brittle bacon.
Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate.
In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed.
Add chicken in a single layer and season lightly with black pepper.
Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
➜ Avoid overcrowding or the chicken will steam instead of browning.
Reduce heat to medium-low.
Add garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
➜ Garlic should smell aromatic and sweet, not toasted.
Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping the pan.
Lower heat and slowly stir in half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
Add Parmesan in small handfuls, stirring constantly.
➜ The sauce should look silky and lightly creamy, not thick or gluey.
Add drained pasta, chicken, and bacon back into the skillet.
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
➜ If the sauce tightens, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time.
Remove skillet from heat.
Fold in cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
➜ Adding basil off heat preserves its color and aroma.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil on top.
Notes
🍗 Chicken & Bacon Penne with Parmesan and Fresh Basil
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