Go Back
–+ servings
A green bowl with pasta with chicken and bacon in a creamy sauce and a lemon wedge.
Print Recipe
4.52 from 25 votes

Creamy Chicken & Bacon Pasta (One-Pot and Healthy)

This one-pot creamy chicken and bacon pasta recipe is so delicious and healthy. It's a great alternative to your standard creamy pasta.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: mains
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6
Calories: 525kcal
Author: Mimi Harrison
Cost: £1.35

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 white onion, diced (£0.09)
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced (£0.69/3)=(£0.23)
  • 300 g reduced fat bacon medallions (£2.75)
  • 300 g chicken breast, frozen & defrosted, sliced into small chunks 600g=(£3.30/2)=(£1.65)
  • 500 g wholewheat fusilli (£0.70)
  • 1 bunch fresh basil, finely chopped (£0.55)
  • 50 g parmesan (£1.55/3)=(£0.52)
  • 200 ml milk (£0.95)
  • 75 g to 150g kale, chopped/tough stems removed (£0.65)

Cupbord Essentials

  • 1.4 litre litres chicken stock
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & Pepper
Metric - US Standard

Instructions

  • Add olive oil, chicken and bacon to a large saucepan (not non-stick). Fry on a medium heat for around 6 minutes, seasoning with salt. Remove the chicken and continue to cook the bacon until crispy.
  • Then, remove the bacon and deglaze the fond (meat stuck to the bottom of the pan) with a splash of chicken stock. Pour the onions into the pan and season with salt and pepper. Fry for another 5 minutes.
  • Now that the onions have softened, add the garlic and dried thyme. Fry for a minute before adding the chicken stock and fusilli. Combine and cook for around 8 minutes, stirring occasionally as the stock evaporates.
  • After this time, reduce the heat to low and add the chicken, bacon, milk and kale into the pan. Continue to cook until the sauce has thickened slightly and then add the parmesan as soon as the pasta is al-dente. This will absorb some of the moisture too.
  • Now that you have a creamy, silky sauce, add the lemon juice and season with salt and lots of pepper. Serve with finely chopped fresh basil.

Notes

  • Choose whole wheat pasta for added fibre and nutrients, providing a nuttier flavour. However, you can use your favorite pasta for this dish.
  • Opt for lean bacon and trim off excess fat before cooking, and use chicken breast for a lean source of protein.
  • Enhance the dish's nutritional value and variety by adding additional vegetables like peppers, courgettes, and mushrooms. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, considering options like oregano or red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Be cautious not to overcook the pasta or chicken to avoid soggy pasta and tough chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 525kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 11g