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Chicken Alfredo With Crispy Bacon (Paula Deen)

The first time I ever made Chicken Alfredo, it was for a very special occasion: my anniversary. I was so nervous, I think I read the recipe about a dozen times! But the moment my partner took that first bite, eyes widening with delight, I knew I had created something truly comforting and delicious. It’s been a staple in our home ever since, and adding crispy bacon takes it to a whole new level of irresistible indulgence. The smoky saltiness cutting through the rich, creamy sauce is simply divine.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

4 slices bacon (consider doubling this amount!)
1 3/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3)
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chicken broth
3/4 cup onion, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups heavy whipping cream (add more if you want it extra creamy)
1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese, shredded
3 tablespoons parsley, freshly chopped
16 ounces fettuccine pasta (cooked and kept warm)
1/4 cup water (reserved water from boiling pasta)

Equipment Needed

Large skillet
Paper towels
Pot for pasta
Colander

Instructions

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. This is where the magic starts!
Add the bacon to the skillet. Cook the bacon until it is delightfully crisp. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon.
Once the bacon is crisp, remove it from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain, being sure to reserve the drippings in the skillet. Don’t discard that delicious bacon fat; it will add incredible flavor to the chicken!
Crumble the bacon and set it aside. You’ll need it later to sprinkle on top of the finished dish.
Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Be generous; this will help to season the chicken properly.
Brown the chicken in the reserved bacon drippings. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
Add the chicken broth to the skillet.
Cover the skillet and cook the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the skillet.
Shred the chicken meat. You can use two forks to easily shred the chicken.
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet.
Cook the onion and garlic for 7 minutes over medium-high heat, or until the onion is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet.
Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Keep stirring the cream to prevent scorching.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Add the parmesan cheese and parsley, stirring until the cheese melts completely. This is when the Alfredo sauce comes together beautifully.
Toss the cooked fettuccine with the chicken mixture, ensuring that all the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Add enough reserved cooking liquid from the pasta to reach your desired consistency. This helps to loosen the sauce and create a perfectly creamy dish.
Sprinkle with the crumbled bacon and enjoy immediately!

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an even richer flavor, try using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of the pre-shredded kind.
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use a bit of white wine to deglaze the pan after cooking the bacon and before adding the onions and garlic.
To prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating, avoid overheating it. Low and slow is the way to go. If it does happen, try adding a splash of milk or cream and whisking vigorously.
If you want to add a little spice, try a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Make-ahead tip: You can cook the chicken and bacon ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the dish. The Alfredo sauce can also be made ahead of time, but it’s best to reheat it gently over low heat.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Bacon hot, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad would be a perfect accompaniment.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overheat it. Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	796.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	398 g	50%
Total Fat	44.2 g	68%
Saturated Fat	24.4 g	122%
Cholesterol	276.4 mg	92%
Sodium	842.2 mg	35%
Total Carbohydrate	49.2 g	16%
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g	2%
Sugars	1.2 g	4%
Protein	49.4 g	98%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but be aware that the sauce won’t be as rich.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free fettuccine pasta.
Instead of bacon, try pancetta or prosciutto for a different flavor profile.
Add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon to save time?
A: Absolutely! Pre-cooked bacon is a great time-saver, just make sure it’s crispy before crumbling it over the pasta.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken, bacon, and sauce separately in advance. Just combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Is it possible to freeze Chicken Alfredo?
A: Freezing is not recommended as the Alfredo sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing.

Q: What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
A: Pecorino Romano is a good substitute for Parmesan cheese, offering a slightly sharper and saltier flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
A: To prevent separation, avoid overheating the sauce and use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Bacon is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon is a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create a culinary masterpiece that will bring joy to your table! Let me know what you think, and what variations you tried – happy cooking!

Chicken Alfredo With Crispy Bacon (Paula Deen) Recipe