Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Tomatoes
Indulge in this rich and flavorful Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Tomatoes. This one-dish meal features tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken sautéed to perfection and combined with crispy bacon and vibrant Italian-style diced tomatoes. The addition of creamy Neufchatel cheese creates a luscious sauce that clings to the whole wheat bow tie pasta, making it both hearty and satisfying. Ready in just under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and will surely impress your family and friends. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor, and enjoy a delightful, wholesome meal any time!
N/A
Servings
465
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole wheat bow tie pasta
3 cups (uncooked)
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into bite-size pieces)
Cooked bacon
3 slices (crumbled)
Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
Neufchatel cheese
4 ounces (cubed)
Water
1/2 cup
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, then add the whole wheat bow tie pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside, reserving a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water.
2
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and golden brown, stirring occasionally.
3
Add the crumbled bacon, undrained Italian-style diced tomatoes, cubed Neufchatel cheese, water, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is well blended, stirring frequently.
4
Pour the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce and gently toss to mix, adding reserved pasta water if necessary to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
5
Transfer the creamy pasta to a serving bowl or individual plates. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
60g
Carbs
24g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this pasta dish?
The dish is called Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta with Bacon and Tomatoes.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is quick and can be prepared in just under 30 minutes.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of uncooked whole wheat bow tie pasta.
What kind of chicken should I use?
You should use 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 465 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this meal?
This pasta dish contains 24g of protein.
What kind of cheese makes the sauce creamy?
The sauce uses 4 ounces of cubed Neufchatel cheese to create its creamy texture.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
No, you should use one 14.5-ounce can of Italian-style diced tomatoes undrained.
How much bacon is included in the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 14g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 60g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any fiber in this pasta dish?
Yes, there are 5g of fiber per serving, thanks in part to the whole wheat pasta.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed for the topping?
You will need 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling.
What seasonings are added to the skillet?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of pepper along with the flavor from the Italian-style tomatoes.
Should I save any pasta cooking water?
Yes, it is recommended to reserve a few tablespoons of pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency.
How long should I cook the chicken pieces?
Cook the chicken pieces for 5 to 6 minutes until they are thoroughly cooked and golden brown.
How long do I cook the sauce once the cheese is added?
Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and well blended.
How much water is added to the skillet for the sauce?
You should add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and satisfying one-dish meal.
What type of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
Italian-style diced tomatoes are recommended for their specific seasoning.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
What is the texture of the pasta when cooked according to directions?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
Can I use regular bow tie pasta instead of whole wheat?
While the recipe specifies whole wheat, you can use regular bow tie pasta if preferred, though nutritional values will change.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, because it is ready in under 30 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights.
How do I ensure the cheese melts properly?
Stir frequently over medium heat once the cubed Neufchatel cheese is added to the skillet.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include creamy pasta, chicken recipe, bacon and tomato, one dish meal, quick dinner, comfort food, and pasta recipe.
How do I serve this dish?
Transfer to a serving bowl or plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese immediately.
What is the preparation for the bacon?
The bacon should be pre-cooked and then crumbled before adding to the skillet.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
A large skillet should be heated over medium heat.