Print

Chicken Pasta with Bacon Peas and Lemon

Chicken Pasta with Bacon Peas and Lemon
Print Recipe

This Chicken Pasta with Bacon, Peas, and Lemon is a quick and delicious dish combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, sweet peas, and a bright lemon-infused creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, it offers a balanced texture with a fresh, vibrant citrus kick that keeps every bite exciting and satisfying.

Ingredients

Protein & Meat

  • Chicken breast or thighs – 1 lb (about 450 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Bacon slices – 6 to 8 slices, chopped

Pasta & Vegetables

  • Pennette or your favorite pasta – 12 oz (340 g)
  • Frozen or fresh peas – 1 cup
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Onion – 1 small, diced
  • Lemon zest and juice – zest of 1 lemon and 2 tbsp juice

Dairy & Sauce

  • Heavy cream or half-and-half – 1 cup
  • Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup

Oils & Seasoning

  • Olive oil – 1 tbsp (plus extra if needed)
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce later if needed.
  2. Cook the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan to build flavor.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet with bacon fat and cook over medium-high heat until golden on the outside and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside with the bacon.
  4. Build the Sauce: Add a splash of olive oil if needed, then sauté diced onion and minced garlic in the same skillet until soft and fragrant. Pour in the cream and stir in the lemon juice and zest while the mixture simmers gently. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Combine All Ingredients: Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet, then stir in the peas and cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the luscious sauce, adding reserved pasta water little by little if the sauce feels too thick or dry.
  6. Finish with Cheese and Serve: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan for extra creaminess and depth. Give everything a final toss, then serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon zest to add a vibrant citrus aroma without overpowering the dish.
  • Don’t overcook the peas; add them last so they stay tender but maintain their bright green color.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce and improve its silky texture when mixing.
  • Cook the bacon first to crisp perfection and use drippings for extra flavor in the chicken and sauce.
  • Choose pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni that hold the sauce better than thin pastas.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, bacon, peas, lemon, creamy pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/chicken-pasta-with-bacon-peas-and-lemon/