This Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious cream cheese sauce come together perfectly over keto-friendly pasta alternatives like zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for a quick and indulgent low-carb dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Keto-friendly & low-carb – No heavy carbs, just high-protein, delicious ingredients.
- Creamy & indulgent – The cream cheese sauce is ultra-rich and flavorful.
- Bacon & chicken combo – A classic pairing that’s both hearty and delicious.
- Quick & easy – Ready in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- Bacon (chopped)
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt & pepper
- Keto-friendly pasta (zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or hearts of palm pasta)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the bacon – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some bacon grease in the pan.
- Cook the chicken – In the same pan, add olive oil (if needed) and cook chicken breast, seasoned with salt and pepper, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and slice.
- Prepare the sauce – In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth, stirring until smooth.
- Add cheese & seasonings – Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Combine everything – Return the sliced chicken and bacon to the skillet. Toss in keto-friendly pasta and mix well to coat.
- Serve & garnish – Plate the pasta and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Veggie boost – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Dairy-free option – Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
- Extra protein – Add grilled shrimp or sausage for variety.
- Lighter option – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy.
FAQs
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low in carbs, high in fat, and packed with protein.
What’s the best pasta substitute for keto?
Zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or hearts of palm pasta work well.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs add extra flavor and stay juicier.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add more Parmesan cheese.
Can I make this without bacon?
Yes, but the bacon adds great flavor! You can substitute with pancetta.
How can I make the sauce smoother?
Whisk continuously while cooking and make sure the cream cheese is fully softened.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes! Cook everything ahead and store the sauce separately for best results.
What’s a good side dish for this meal?
Try a side salad, roasted asparagus, or garlic butter mushrooms.
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! A sprinkle of mozzarella or cheddar can make it extra cheesy.
Why did my sauce separate?
Overheating can cause separation—keep the heat low and stir continuously.
Conclusion
This Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort food for a keto lifestyle. With its rich, creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you serve it over zucchini noodles or your favorite low-carb pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
PrintCream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta (Keto & Low-Carb)
This Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta is an easy, cheesy, and indulgent meal made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a velvety cream cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and half of the crumbled bacon to the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- If using, sprinkle mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with remaining bacon and fresh parsley or green onions, and serve warm!
Notes
- Want a smoky twist? Use smoked paprika and smoked bacon.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
- Add veggies: Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes.