Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon, Lemon, and Peas Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s bursting with flavor, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon, Lemon, and Peas Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, bright lemon, and sweet peas all wrapped up in a luscious, creamy sauce that you’ll find irresistible. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become one of your weeknight go-tos—you’ll love how quickly it comes together and the incredible taste that feels anything but simple.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon, Lemon, and Peas Recipe lies in how well these ingredients come together. From smoky bacon to zesty lemon and sweet peas, each element plays its part perfectly. When shopping, look for quality bacon and fresh chicken since they’re the stars here!

• Bacon: Opt for thick cut for extra crispiness and great flavor.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Choose a fresh, plump breast for the best texture.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate everything – don’t skip!
• Heavy cream: Full-fat is crucial for that rich, silky sauce.
• Full-fat sour cream: I learned this keeps the sauce creamy and prevents curdling.
• Lemon zest and juice: Adds a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: A secret umami boost that deepens the flavor.
• Pasta (radiatore, penne, bowtie, or orecchiette): Small shapes hold the sauce beautifully—choose your favorite!
• Frozen peas: Straight from the freezer to the skillet – no thawing needed.
• Fresh chives or green onions: A fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion kick.
• Parmesan: Perfect finishing touch to sprinkle on top for extra umami.

Variations

I love how this recipe is a little blank canvas that’s easy to customize. Whether you want to swap out proteins or tweak the veggies, there’s tons of room to make it your own.

• Protein Swap: I’ve replaced chicken with turkey breast or even shrimp for a different twist, and it works beautifully every time.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the sour cream for a rich yet dairy-free sauce.
• Veggie Boost: When peas aren’t in season, I add asparagus tips or fresh spinach for extra color and nutrients.
• Herb Twists: Sometimes I swap chives for basil or parsley depending on what I have fresh on hand.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon, Lemon, and Peas Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Just Right

First things first—get your pasta boiling in a big pot of salted water. I always cook it just until barely al dente, which means it’s tender but still has a little bite because the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce later. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of that pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for thinning the sauce if it gets too thick.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

While your pasta is cooking, crisp up the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nice and crunchy—usually 7 to 8 minutes. Once done, drain it on paper towels but don’t toss that flavorful bacon fat from the skillet; you’ll use it to cook the chicken, which adds incredible depth.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Season your chicken breast well with salt and black pepper. Then cook it in the bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Don’t rush this step; I promise it’s worth that crispy, juicy chicken. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes (this helps it stay juicy!) before slicing it thinly.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

Wipe out the skillet to remove any burnt bits. Then add your heavy cream and sour cream, seasoning with a little salt and pepper. Simmer over medium heat, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens up nicely—that usually takes about 5 minutes. Then stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. That bright lemon really cuts through the richness, and the Worcestershire adds an umami punch I didn’t expect but now can’t live without.

Step 5: Combine Everything Warm and Cozy

Turn the heat to a gentle simmer, then add your cooked pasta, sliced chicken, crispy bacon, and frozen peas right into the sauce. Toss everything together gently so the sauce coats every bite, and let it warm through for about 2 minutes. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly stir in some of that reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect consistency. Don’t forget to taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed before plating.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

To finish, sprinkle fresh chives or green onions and grated Parmesan cheese over your creamy masterpiece. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments—you’re going to want to make this again and again.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon, Lemon, and Peas Recipe

Garnishes

For garnish, I always add a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and minced chives or green onions. The Parmesan gives it that cheesy, salty pop, while the chives add fresh color and a mild onion flavor. Sometimes I even add a little extra lemon zest on top for a bright finishing touch.

Side Dishes

We usually go with a simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to echo the lemon in the pasta. Garlic bread is another favorite around here, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli add a nice balance if you want more greens on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this creamy chicken pasta in individual bowls garnished with edible flowers and extra fresh herbs. It instantly elevates the dish and impresses guests. Alternatively, plating with a small wedge of lemon on the side invites everyone to add a fresh squeeze if they want an extra zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens in the fridge, so before reheating, it’s helpful to stir in a splash of cream or milk to revive that creamy texture.

Freezing

While I’ve frozen this dish a few times, I recommend doing so without the peas to preserve texture. Freeze in portions and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove with a bit of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce seems thick, add a little reserved pasta water, cream, or broth bit by bit until it reaches that perfect silky consistency again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon, Lemon, and Peas Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s easy enough to whip up on a hectic busy night but special enough to make your family or guests feel truly spoiled. Every time I make it, the combo of crisp bacon, zesty lemon, and comforting cream makes us all smile. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with it just like I did—so give it a try and get ready to add it to your favorites!

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