Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s both comforting and bright, then this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe is about to become your new favorite. I absolutely love how the tang of lemon cuts through the rich, silky cream sauce, while crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch—it’s like a warm hug on a plate that’s surprisingly refreshing. Plus, the peas and fresh chives lend just the right pop of color and freshness. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe complements the others perfectly — from the salty bacon to the luscious cream and the zesty lemon. I always recommend fresh ingredients here, especially for the lemon and chives, as they bring the flavor alive.

• Bacon: Go for thick-cut if you want extra crunch and chewiness, it crisps up beautifully without burning.
• Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless works best for quick cooking and easy slicing.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Adjust seasoning carefully as the bacon adds its own saltiness.
• Heavy cream: This is key for the smooth, velvety sauce—don’t substitute with low-fat unless you want a less rich result.
• Full-fat sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess; it also helps stabilize the sauce so it doesn’t separate.
• Lemon zest and juice: Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor—remember to only zest the yellow outer peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• Worcestershire sauce: A secret little umami booster that deepens the sauce flavor.
• Pasta: Small shapes like radiatore, penne, bowtie, or orecchiette work best because the sauce clings nicely to their curves.
• Frozen peas (not thawed): They cook right in the sauce and add a subtle sweetness and pop of color.
• Fresh chives: Minced for a mild onion flavor and pretty green garnish; thinly sliced green onions can work too.
• Parmesan cheese: Optional but highly recommended for a salty, cheesy finish.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe is how easy it is to switch things up. Feel free to personalize it for your taste or dietary needs—it’s kitchen-friendly for your creativity.

• Add Mushrooms: I once tossed in sautéed cremini mushrooms for an earthier flavor that worked wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
• Swap Chicken for Shrimp: Try shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist; just reduce cooking time so the shrimp stay tender.
• Dairy-Free Option: I experimented with coconut cream instead of heavy cream and sour cream—it’s not exactly the same but still pleasantly creamy and decadent.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in spinach or asparagus tips for a green boost, which adds great texture and nutrition.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta Just Right

Start by boiling your pasta in a big pot of salted water, aiming to get it just barely al dente. Here’s a trick I learned: undercook it slightly because it’ll soak up the sauce and finish cooking later. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of that pasta cooking water—it’s pure gold for loosening the sauce if it gets too thick.

Step 2: Crisp Up That Bacon

While your pasta cooks, fry the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s perfectly crispy. This usually takes around 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels but keep that flavorful bacon fat in the pan—it’s the secret ingredient for cooking the chicken and building the sauce’s depth.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Season your chicken breast generously with kosher salt and black pepper, then cook it in the bacon drippings over medium-high heat, about 5-7 minutes on each side. I always check that the juices run clear and the surface is nicely browned before removing it from the pan to rest. This resting step is crucial—cutting too soon means your chicken loses all its juices!

Step 4: Whisk Up the Lemon Cream Sauce

After you’ve taken out the chicken, wipe the pan clean and add the heavy cream and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper, then gently simmer over medium heat, whisking until the sauce thickens—about 5 minutes. Stir in your fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce—that little splash really elevates the whole dish. The smell here is heavenly; I always pause for a deep breath!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now it’s time to add the pasta, sliced chicken, crispy bacon, and frozen peas right into the sauce. Toss everything gently so the sauce coats every piece. Cook just until warmed through—about 2 minutes should do it. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly stir in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up and get that perfect silky texture. Give it a final taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed before garnishing.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with freshly grated Parmesan—it melts gently and adds extra savory depth. A sprinkle of fresh chives not only adds a mild onion brightness but also a gorgeous green pop that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Sometimes, I throw on a little extra lemon zest for that fresh citrus aroma right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, maybe something with arugula and a light vinaigrette to contrast the creamy richness. Roasted asparagus or garlic bread also make excellent sides if you want to keep it classic and cozy. I’ve even served it alongside some steamed broccoli when I needed a healthy vegetable option for my family.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this pasta in shallow wide bowls so that each swirl of pasta is beautifully coated and garnished. A drizzle of olive oil on top just before serving makes it glisten and feel extra decadent. You could also plate individual portions with a sprig of fresh herb like thyme or basil for a splash of color and elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When my family can’t finish this pasta in one sitting (rare, but it happens!), I store leftovers airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce does thicken as it chills, but stirring in a splash of milk or cream while reheating brings back the silky texture like magic.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the sauce and chicken separately (without pasta) in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight and reheat gently, then toss with freshly cooked pasta to keep that perfect al dente bite—freezing pasta tends to make it a bit mushy if stored cooked with sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the pasta mixture on the stovetop over low heat, adding reserved pasta water, cream, or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps keep the texture even and creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Bacon Recipe is truly one of my go-to dishes when I want something both comforting and a little bright to lift the mood. I love how easy it is to prepare but still feels so special, like something you’d order at a cozy Italian bistro. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or having friends over for a casual dinner, this pasta always gets rave reviews and seconds. So next time you want a meal that feels like home but with a zest of freshness, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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