Indulge in this easy, creamy bacon, mushroom, and chicken pasta — a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in about 15 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, earthy sautéed mushrooms, and a rich garlic-ricotta cream sauce make this dish irresistible.
Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a quick meal idea, this is the recipe to add to your dinner rotation.
Made in one skillet with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich garlic cream sauce. Perfect for easy weeknight meals, comfort food lovers, and family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✔️ Ready in under 15 minutes
- ✔️ Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
- ✔️ Ultra-creamy sauce with real ricotta
- ✔️ Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends
Ingredients
- 1 box rigatoni pasta (or similar)
- 2–3 slices bacon, chopped
- ½ yellow onion, finely diced
- ~3 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 chicken bouillon cube (optional)
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 package fresh baby bella mushrooms (~4 cups)
- 2 cups cooked diced chicken (rotisserie works great)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, pepper, dried thyme, Italian herbs
- Optional: chopped green onion or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the bacon:
Add chopped bacon to a large skillet and cook until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. - Sauté aromatics:
In the bacon fat, sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. - Boil pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. - Cook mushrooms:
Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with onions. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme until tender. - Make the sauce:
Stir in ricotta, half-and-half, and the chicken bouillon cube. Mix until creamy. If it gets too thick, add a little pasta water to loosen. - Combine everything:
Add drained pasta, cooked chicken, and bacon back to the skillet. Toss with Parmesan and Italian herbs. - Serve:
Garnish with green onion or parsley if desired — serve hot.
Tips for Best Results
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and minimal prep.
- Swap half-and-half for heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
- Want more veggies? Add spinach or peas in the final minute of cooking.
Creamy Bacon Mushroom Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This creamy bacon mushroom chicken pasta is a cozy, comforting dinner made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and rigatoni tossed in a rich garlic cream sauce. It comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
Ingredients
-
1 lb rigatoni pasta
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4 slices bacon, chopped
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
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2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
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1 cup half-and-half
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1 chicken bouillon cube (optional, for extra flavor)
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1 tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
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Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and lightly browned.
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Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, half-and-half, Parmesan, chicken bouillon cube (if using), thyme, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Add the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and bacon back to the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated in the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
-
Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
-
Add a handful of spinach or peas for extra veggies.
-
For a richer sauce, substitute heavy cream for the half-and-half.
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 20 MINS
- Category: DINNER | PASTA
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — simply substitute gluten-free pasta.
Can I swap the ricotta?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, sour cream or creamy cottage cheese works as a substitute.
Serve With…
Pair this comforting pasta with a crisp green salad or garlic bread and a chilled glass of white wine for an easy dinner everyone will love.
More Creamy Pasta Recipes to Try
- Creamy Chicken Marsala Mushroom Pasta
- Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Dijon Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
