Start with thick-cut, smoked bacon, sear the chicken until it’s golden brown and cook the pasta only al dente. The aroma from cooking this dish will bring them running.

Thick-cut, smoked bacon gives the sauce a noticeable smokiness and tons of flavor. Regular-cut bacon will work as well. You just might need a few more pieces to get enough fat to cook everything else. (Stacey Little / Southern Bite)

Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti
• 5 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cut into cubes
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• salt
• pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta to al dente, according to the package instructions, and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, keeping the bacon drippings in the pan. Crumble and set aside.
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and sear in the bacon grease over medium heat. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes on each side or until brown. Work in batches if necessary to prevent crowding the pan.
4. Remove chicken from pan using tongs or a slotted spoon to allow bacon grease to remain in the pan. Place chicken on a plate. Set aside.
   

   Return chicken and crumbled bacon to the pan along with the pasta and toss together. (Stacey Little / Southern Bite)

5. Lower the heat to low and add the minced garlic. Cook in the bacon grease until fragrant – about 1 minute – being careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Add the chicken broth and milk. Stir to combine.
7. Add the cream cheese and cover the pan. Cook for a few minutes or until cream cheese is nearly melted.
8. Use a whisk to combine the sauce.
9. Add Parmesan cheese to the pan and whisk together.
10. Simmer, uncovered, over low heat until sauce thickens.
11. Add salt and pepper to taste.
12. Return chicken and crumbled bacon to the pan along with the pasta and toss together. Serve immediately.

This recipe originally appeared on SouthernBite.com. For more great recipes, visit the website or check out ”The Southern Bite Cookbook.”