Chicken Alfredo with Peas and Bacon
A rich and creamy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, smoky bacon, and sweet peas. This family favorite comes together in one skillet, coating every piece of penne in a silky homemade Alfredo sauce. Quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~10 min
Cook the pasta.
1.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.2.Add 1 tbsp salt to the boiling water.3.Cook penne according to package directions until al dente (8-10 min).4.Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain the rest in a colander.TIPSalty pasta water is your only chance to season the pasta itself — don't skip it. - fry · ~6 min
Cook the bacon.
1.Place a large skillet over medium heat.2.Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy (5-6 min), stirring occasionally.3.Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon.4.Leave 1 tbsp bacon fat in the skillet; discard the rest.TIPBacon fat is flavor gold — keeping a spoonful builds depth in the sauce. - saute · ~7 min
Sear the chicken.
1.Add olive oil to the bacon fat in the skillet over medium-high heat.2.Season chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and ground black pepper.3.Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through (6-7 min), turning once.4.Internal temperature should reach 165°F. Transfer to a plate.TIPDon't crowd the pan — cook in batches if needed for a good sear. - saute · ~5 min
Build the Alfredo sauce base.
1.Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.2.Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (30-45 sec).3.Pour in heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.4.Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened (3-4 min).TIPMedium heat only — high heat can curdle the cream. - mix · ~2 min
Finish the sauce with cheese and peas.
1.Remove the skillet from heat.2.Add freshly grated Parmesan and stir vigorously until melted and smooth.3.Fold in the thawed peas; residual heat will warm them through.4.If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water 2 tbsp at a time.TIPAlways add Parmesan off heat — direct heat makes it clump and turn grainy. - assemble · ~2 min
Combine pasta, chicken, and bacon with the sauce.
1.Add drained penne and seared chicken to the skillet with the sauce.2.Add crispy bacon pieces, reserving some for garnish.3.Toss everything gently until pasta is fully coated.4.Adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed. - garnish
Garnish with reserved bacon and fresh parsley. Serve hot.
1.Divide pasta among serving bowls.2.Sprinkle reserved bacon and chopped parsley over each portion.3.Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Reserve a full cup of pasta water before draining — the starch helps bind the sauce to the penne.
- 2Cook bacon until deeply crispy; the crunchy texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- 3Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning for a golden-brown sear.
- 4Add Parmesan off the heat and stir vigorously to avoid a grainy, clumpy sauce.
- 5Thaw frozen peas completely and pat them dry so they don't water down the Alfredo sauce.
- 6Taste the sauce before combining — a final pinch of salt or black pepper can brighten the whole dish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-carb / keto
Swap penne for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles; use extra cream and Parmesan to keep the sauce luscious without the carbs.
vegetarianVegetarian
Omit the chicken and bacon, then add sautéed mushrooms and a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for umami depth.
gluten freeGluten-free
Use gluten-free penne or fettuccine; the sauce is naturally gluten-free as long as you verify the bacon and Parmesan labels.
extra vegetableExtra-vegetable
Stir in a handful of baby spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes just before serving for added color, nutrients, and acidity to cut the richness.
spicySpicy
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic for a gentle heat that balances the creamy sauce and smoky bacon.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-quality protein source
Chicken breast and bacon provide lean and flavorful protein, supporting muscle repair and satiety.
Vitamin K from parsley
Fresh parsley garnish contributes vitamin K, which plays a role in bone health and blood clotting.
Iron and folate from peas
Green peas add a serving of vegetables rich in iron and folate, which support energy metabolism and red blood cell production.
Calcium from Parmesan
Parmesan cheese is a concentrated source of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Grainy sauce usually happens when Parmesan is added over high heat or stirred in too quickly. Always remove the skillet from the burner and stir in finely grated cheese off the heat.
