Creamy Chicken Bacon Ziti
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
717 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ziti
Description
This recipe for Creamy Chicken Bacon Ziti starts by cooking ziti pasta just shy of al dente and setting it aside to prevent overcooking. Bacon is crisped in a skillet and partially reserved for garnish, while chicken pieces are cooked in the rendered bacon fat with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to build layered savory flavors. A sauce made from heavy cream, low sodium chicken broth, and fresh Parmesan cheese is simmered to reduce and thicken. Once creamy, the cooked ziti and bacon are added and gently stirred to coat the pasta and proteins evenly with sauce.
The finished dish balances the crispiness of the bacon with tender chicken and a smooth, rich sauce. Fresh basil chiffonade adds herbal brightness and extra Parmesan topping enhances the cheesy umami character. This pasta is well suited for a comforting dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- ½ pound ziti pasta
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 8 ounces Bacon chopped
- 6 ounces chicken breast chopped into bite-size pieces
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- salt
- black pepper
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup chicken broth low sodium
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese fresh grated (not pre-shredded)
- basil chiffonade, for garnish, fresh
- Parmesan Cheese shredded, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to the package directions MINUS 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it's nice and crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. (Set some of the bacon aside for garnish if you'd like.)
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it has turned partly white. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and parmesan to the skillet. Bring to a simmer. Then add the cooked ziti and bacon. Stir on the stove for 2 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens, coating the pasta.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil, parmesan, and the reserved bacon.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 717 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 717kcal | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 45g | 69% |
| Saturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 126mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 818mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 507mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 859IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 159mg | 16% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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