Hey there, food lovers! If you’re on the lookout for a recipe that packs a punch of protein and tons of flavor, you’re in for a treat. My Creamy Chicken and Bacon Macaroni is the perfect dish for when you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and hearty. With crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a rich sauce, this dish will have you coming back for more. And the best part? It’s super easy to make! Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or just need a quick dinner, this recipe has you covered.
Method
Prepare the Bacon
Start by grilling or air-frying your bacon medallions until they’re crispy and golden. The crispy bacon is essential for adding that crunchy texture to your creamy pasta, so make sure it’s nice and crunchy. Once done, remove the bacon from the heat and set it aside to stay crispy. This will be the perfect topping for your macaroni later on.
Cook the Chicken
While the bacon is crisping up, it’s time to cook the chicken. In a frying pan, heat up some frylight or any oil you prefer. Add your diced chicken and toss in the minced garlic, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper for flavor. Stir occasionally to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly on all sides. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once the chicken is done, set it aside.
Boil the Macaroni
In a separate pot, bring some water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Once the macaroni is cooked al dente, drain the water, but don’t forget to save a ladle of pasta water to help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
While the pasta is boiling, it’s time to make the creamy sauce. In the same frying pan you used for the chicken, add the cream cheese, yoghurt, semi-skimmed milk, and grated 50% fat cheese. Stir everything together over medium heat until the ingredients begin to melt and combine into a smooth, creamy sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to get the flavors blended together, and feel free to taste it and add salt and pepper to your preference.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add a ladle of the reserved pasta water to the creamy sauce. This helps to loosen the sauce and make it even creamier. Stir the pasta water in and allow the sauce to reach the perfect creamy consistency. Now, add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and toss it well, making sure each piece of pasta is generously coated in the creamy goodness.
Assemble and Serve
Finally, plate your creamy chicken and bacon macaroni. Spoon the creamy pasta onto your plate or bowl, and then crumble or chop up the crispy bacon you set aside earlier. Sprinkle the bacon on top of the pasta to add that perfect contrast of crunch and flavor. Serve your creamy chicken & bacon macaroni immediately and enjoy the rich, hearty, and comforting flavors!
Necessary Tools
- Frying pan (for cooking chicken and bacon)
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Grater (for cheese)
- Ladle (for adding pasta water to sauce)
- Bowl/plate (to serve your delicious creation!)
Creamy Chicken & Bacon Macaroni: A High-Protein, Creamy Delight!
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
3 bacon medallions
280g chicken, dice
Salt + pepper, to taste
Mixed herbs (for extra flavor!)
2 garlic cloves, mince
200g macaroni (dry weight)
50g 50% fat cheese, grated
20g yoghurt (adds creaminess)
80ml semi-skimmed milk
50g light cream cheese
Directions
- Start by grilling or air-frying your bacon rashers until they’re nice and crispy. Set them aside so they can stay crunchy for the top of your pasta later.
- While your bacon is crisping up, fry your diced chicken in a little frylight along with the garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is fully done.
- In a separate pot, bring some water to a boil and cook your macaroni according to the package instructions.
- While the pasta is boiling, stir together the cream cheese, yoghurt, milk, and grated cheese in a pan. Let it simmer for a few minutes until everything’s combined and creamy.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add a ladle of pasta water to the creamy sauce, then toss in the cooked pasta. Stir well so all the pasta is coated.
- Plate up your pasta, and top with those crispy bacon bits for that irresistible crunch!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta Be sure to check your pasta a couple of minutes before the time indicated on the box. You don’t want it mushy; just al dente!
- Pasta water When adding pasta water to the sauce, be careful not to add too much. Start with a ladle and adjust as needed for the right creamy consistency.
- Crispy bacon Make sure the bacon gets crispy enough before you set it aside. You want that crunch to contrast with the creamy pasta!
- Taste as you go The beauty of this dish is how customizable it is. Feel free to add extra salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste!
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken & bacon macaroni is a full meal on its own, but if you’re looking to balance it out, serve it with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread on the side. You could also add a sprinkle of extra cheese or some crushed red pepper for an extra kick.
Fun Fact
Did you know that macaroni originated in Italy? The word “macaroni” comes from the Greek word “makaria,” meaning “food made from barley.” Pasta has been around for thousands of years, and we still can’t get enough of it!
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken & Bacon Macaroni is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with the crispy goodness of bacon. Whether you’re looking for a high-protein meal or just something comforting and delicious, this dish checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make what’s not to love? If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, this one will definitely become a regular in your kitchen. Enjoy!
