Imagine a plate of pasta so creamy, so decadent, that it transports you straight to the heart of Italy with just one bite. This Creamy Chicken Pancetta Pasta isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that combines crispy pancetta, tender chicken, and a rich, velvety sauce that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is your ticket to pasta perfection.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 4 oz pancetta, diced
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Remove pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- In the same skillet, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add grated parmesan cheese to the cream, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Return the chicken and crispy pancetta to the skillet with the cream sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of chicken, pancetta, and creamy sauce.
Tips
- Pat your chicken dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden-brown sear that locks in flavor.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the smoothest, most luxurious sauce.
- Don't discard the pasta water! It's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency and adding extra flavor.
- Cook pancetta until it's crispy to add a delightful textural contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Keep the heat at medium when adding cream to prevent separation and ensure a silky smooth sauce.
- Slice chicken against the grain for the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its creamy, steaming best.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 600kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 150mg
