If you adore dishes that combine rich, comforting flavors with a touch of tangy brightness, then this Creamy Balsamic Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta Recipe will soon become your new favorite weeknight indulgence. Imagine tender strips of chicken and crispy bacon mingling with earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a luscious, balsamic-infused cream sauce, lovingly tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet comes together in under 30 minutes—a true winner when you want to impress yourself or your friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes to life thanks to a handful of straightforward, accessible ingredients that each play a huge role in building those layers of flavor and the inviting creamy texture.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite type—penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work wonderfully to soak up the sauce.
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size strips: Lean protein that cooks quickly and stays tender in the sauce.
- 3 strips bacon, cut into small pieces: Provides smoky crispiness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- 7 ounces mushrooms (white or cremini), sliced: Adds an earthy, meaty texture that pairs perfectly with the chicken and bacon.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Delivers a bright, slightly tangy punch to balance the richness.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: The star that gives this dish its decadent, silky texture.
- 1-2 dashes Italian seasoning: Infuses the sauce with herby warmth and familiarity.
- Pinch of garlic powder: So subtle yet essential to deepen savory notes without overwhelming.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Salt & pepper to taste: To round out and enhance all the layers of flavor.
How to Make Creamy Balsamic Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Prep the Proteins
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until it’s perfectly al dente according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips—this ensures they cook quickly—and chop the bacon into small pieces for even crisping. Setting everything up early means you’ll glide through the next steps with ease.
Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until it’s beautifully crispy, taking about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving a bit of that delicious bacon fat in the pan. This fat is pure flavor gold and will add richness to your mushrooms and chicken.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
Using the reserved bacon fat, sauté the mushrooms for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll notice they start releasing their moisture, which is exactly what you want. This process concentrates their flavor and gives the dish an earthy undertone that both complements and contrasts the creamy sauce perfectly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook them for 4 to 5 minutes, letting them brown beautifully while absorbing the bacon and mushroom flavors. You’ll want most of the liquid to cook off here so the sauce will be rich and not watery. If you notice there’s still too much moisture, just give it a little more time to evaporate.
Step 5: Add the Balsamic Vinegar
Pour in the balsamic vinegar and let it simmer for about a minute. This step is key because it intensifies the flavor and adds a subtle tang that balances the creaminess and richness that’s about to come.
Step 6: Stir in the Cream and Seasonings
Pour in the heavy cream along with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Stir well, making sure to scrape up those irresistible browned bits stuck at the bottom of the pan—they carry a ton of flavor! Lower the heat if needed, then let this simmer gently for around 5 minutes, just enough time for the sauce to thicken slightly without overcooking the chicken.
Step 7: Incorporate Bacon and Parmesan
Now, add the crispy bacon pieces and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir everything together as the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a luscious, cheesy coating for every bite. Taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Step 8: Combine with Pasta
Drain your pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything to coat the noodles thoroughly; I love using tongs for this step because it feels satisfying and helps the sauce cling beautifully to each strand or piece. Tossing here also thickens the sauce perfectly, making sure every forkful is packed with flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Balsamic Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Creamy Balsamic Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta Recipe even further, fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil make a vibrant finishing touch. A sprinkle of extra parmesan or a dusting of cracked black pepper adds that final wow factor, inviting your guests to dive right in.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to brighten the plate. Garlic bread or a baguette on the side is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce—you won’t want a single drop to go to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of elegance. You might also consider plating it alongside grilled vegetables for a colorful contrast that adds freshness and texture to the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this creamy delight, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken as it cools, so just keep that in mind when reheating.
Freezing
This Creamy Balsamic Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta Recipe freezes well, making it a great option for future meals. Freeze in a portioned container for up to 2 months. To prevent texture changes in the cream sauce, thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help loosen the sauce if it seems too thick. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the chicken tender and prevent the cream from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I love using fettuccine or penne, any pasta shape that holds sauce well will do. Bowties, rigatoni, or even spaghetti can all work beautifully with the creamy balsamic sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe without bacon?
Yes, you can omit the bacon for a lighter version or if you have dietary restrictions. You might want to add a touch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to preserve some of that smoky depth without the bacon.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You could try using half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese, but keep in mind the sauce might not be as rich or thick. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can work, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken strips should be opaque and no longer pink in the center, which usually takes around 4 to 5 minutes when cut into bite-sized pieces. Cooking on medium heat helps avoid drying out the chicken while ensuring it’s perfectly cooked.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop the chicken, cook and crumble the bacon, and slice the mushrooms a few hours before cooking. This prep will make assembling and cooking the dish even faster and more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely thrilled to share this Creamy Balsamic Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta Recipe with you. It’s one of those special meals that brings comfort, richness, and a touch of sophistication all in one pan. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and maybe even become a new classic in your dinner rotation. So, grab your ingredients and get ready for a deliciously creamy and balsamic-infused pasta experience you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Balsamic Chicken Bacon Mushroom Pasta is a delightful one-pan meal combining tender chicken strips, crispy bacon, and sautéed mushrooms in a rich, balsamic-infused cream sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and topped with freshly grated Parmesan, this dish is both comforting and flavorful, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size strips
- 3 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
- 7 ounces mushrooms (white or cremini), sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1–2 dashes Italian seasoning
- Pinch of garlic powder
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 7-10 minutes. Remove bacon from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Drain most of the bacon fat from the skillet, leaving enough to cook the mushrooms. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to release their moisture.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the skillet with mushrooms. Cook for 4-5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and most of the liquid evaporates. If needed, cook a little longer until the pan is mostly dry.
- Add Balsamic Vinegar: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for about one minute to reduce slightly and meld flavors.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then add Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, reducing heat if it bubbles vigorously, taking care not to overcook the chicken.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cooked bacon pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss continuously with tongs for 1-2 minutes to combine and help thicken the sauce.
Notes
- Use white or cremini mushrooms depending on your flavor preference.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Cooking pasta al dente is key for texture in this creamy dish.
- Allow the balsamic vinegar to reduce slightly to avoid overpowering the sauce.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.
