Savor the delightful combination of chicken, asparagus, and bacon in a creamy pasta shell recipe. This heartwarming dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, and it guarantees to leave everyone asking for more. The crisp asparagus, savory bacon, and tender chicken complement the rich and creamy pasta wonderfully. It's a versatile meal that's suitable for a family dinner or an impressive dish for a dinner party.
The ingredients for this recipe are easily available at most local grocery stores. However, be mindful when selecting asparagus, look for firm, bright green stalks with tight tips. The heavier stalks tend to be harder and stringier, so opt for thinner ones. Also, the cache valley parmesan and mozzarella cheese adds a beautiful creaminess to the dish, but if you can't find this specific brand, any good quality parmesan and mozzarella will work just as well.
Ingredients for Chicken, Asparagus, and Bacon Pasta Shells
shells: The base of the dish, providing a vehicle for the other flavors.
bacon: Adds a rich, savory, and smoky flavor to the dish.
asparagus: Provides a fresh, light counterbalance to the rich flavors of the other ingredients.
mushrooms: Add an earthy flavor and hearty texture.
butter: Gives a rich and creamy flavor to the sauce.
olive oil: Used for sautéing and adds a subtle flavor.
garlic: Provides a basic aromatic base for the sauce.
heavy cream: The main component of the sauce, providing a creamy texture.
white pepper: Provides a subtle heat to the sauce.
dried parsley: Adds color and a mild herb flavor.
parmesan cheese: Adds a robust, nutty flavor to the dish.
mozzarella cheese: Adds a creamy, melty component to the dish.
rotisserie chicken: A quick and easy way to add protein to the dish without additional cooking.
One reader, Aldis Furr says:
This chicken, asparagus, and bacon pasta shells recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The creamy sauce perfectly complements the savory bacon and tender chicken. The asparagus adds a delightful crunch. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a comforting yet gourmet pasta dish.
Cooking Techniques to Master for This Recipe
How to cook the shells: Cook the shells according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
How to cook the bacon and veggies: Chop the bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. Add the asparagus and mushrooms and continue cooking until the veggies are crisp-tender and the bacon is cooked through.
How to make the cream sauce: In a pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic, heavy cream, and white pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently. Add the parmesan cheese and dried parsley, then simmer for 9-11 minutes until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Finally, add the grated mozzarella cheese and stir constantly until smooth.
How to combine the ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and shredded rotisserie chicken to the bacon and asparagus skillet. Pour the cream sauce over and toss to combine. If needed, thin the cream mixture with a little milk.
How to garnish and serve: Add fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and additional parmesan as desired. Enjoy immediately.
How To Make Chicken, Asparagus, and Bacon Pasta Shells
A fully loaded meal, this pasta shells dish is packed with tender chicken, crisp bacon, and crunchy asparagus that’s tossed in a creamy and cheesy sauce!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 10ozshells
- 6slicesbacon
- 1lbasparagus
- 1cupmushrooms,sliced
- 3tbspbutter
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1tspgarlic,minced
- 2cupsheavy cream
- ¼tspwhite pepper
- 3tspdried parsley
- ½cupCache Valley parmesan cheese,grated
- 1cupCache Valley mozzarella cheese,grated
- 1½cuprotisserie chicken,prepared, shredded or chopped
For Optional Additions:
- parmesan cheese,for topping
- fresh parsley
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
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Cook the shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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Chop the uncooked bacon into small pieces. Trim the ends of the asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces.
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Add the bacon pieces to a skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes over medium high heat. Add the asparagus and mushrooms and continue to cook until the veggies are crisp tender and bacon is cooked through.
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In the same pot that was used to cook the shells in, place the heat at medium low and add in the butter and olive oil. When the butter is melted, add in the garlic, heavy cream, and white pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently.
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Add in the Parmesan cheese and dried parsley. Simmer the sauce for about 9 to 11 minutes or until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
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When the sauce has become thickened, add in the grated mozzarella cheese and stir constantly until smooth.
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Add the cooked pasta and shredded rotisserie chicken to the bacon and asparagus skillet. Pour the cream sauce over and toss to combine. If needed, thin the cream mixture with a little milk.
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Add the fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and additional parmesan as desired.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 767.36kcal
- Fat: 70.44g
- Saturated Fat: 36.72g
- Trans Fat: 0.31g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 24.48g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.26g
- Carbohydrates: 7.91g
- Fiber: 1.91g
- Sugar: 4.74g
- Protein: 27.86g
- Cholesterol: 216.32mg
- Sodium: 730.52mg
- Calcium: 480.96mg
- Potassium: 443.71mg
- Iron: 2.61mg
- Vitamin A: 544.69µg
- Vitamin C: 9.97mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting the Pasta Shell Stuffing Technique
When cooking the bacon, asparagus, and mushrooms together, it's important to remember that each ingredient has a different cooking time. To ensure that everything is cooked perfectly, start with the bacon since it takes the longest to cook. Once the bacon is halfway done, add in the asparagus and mushrooms. This will ensure that your bacon is crispy, and your vegetables are tender-crisp, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of your dish.
Time-Saving Hacks for Preparing This Dish
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Use the same pot to cook the pasta and make the sauce to minimize cleanup.
Rotisserie shortcut: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding chicken yourself.
Quick cook: Opt for smaller asparagus spears for faster cooking and easier preparation.
Double duty: Cook the bacon and veggies together to save time and enhance flavor by using the same skillet.
Substitute Ingredients For Chicken, Asparagus, and Bacon Pasta Shells Recipe
- Chicken - Substitute with turkey: Turkey is a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken, providing a similar texture and taste in the dish.
- Asparagus - Substitute with broccolini: Broccolini has a similar texture and flavor profile to asparagus, making it a great substitute in this recipe.
Plating Ideas for a Stunning Presentation
Elevate the pasta shells: Gently arrange the pasta shells in a circular motion on the plate, creating a base for the dish.
Create a bacon and asparagus nest: Arrange the cooked bacon and asparagus in a delicate nest-like formation on top of the pasta shells, creating a visually appealing centerpiece.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly chopped parsley over the dish to add a pop of vibrant green color and a hint of freshness.
Drizzle with cream sauce: Using a steady hand, drizzle the creamy sauce in a circular motion around the pasta shells, ensuring an even distribution across the plate.
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese: Lightly dust the dish with a fine layer of grated parmesan cheese, adding a touch of savory richness to the presentation.
Add a touch of red pepper flakes: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the dish for a subtle hint of heat and a visually striking contrast.
Serve on elegant dinnerware: Present the dish on a sophisticated, white porcelain plate to enhance the visual appeal and elevate the overall dining experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pasta Shells with Chicken, Asparagus, and Bacon
- Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, multipurpose knife for slicing, dicing, and chopping.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing.
- Pot: A deep, round container with handles and a lid, used for boiling, simmering, and cooking pasta or grains.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, stirring, and beating ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Grater: Used for grating cheese or vegetables.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot, used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for flipping, spreading, and lifting foods.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations for draining liquids from food.
- Potato peeler: A tool for removing the outer skin of vegetables and fruits.
- Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves.
- Pasta pot: A large, deep pot with a strainer insert for cooking and draining pasta.
- Cheese grater: A tool designed for grating cheese into fine pieces.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces and heating liquids.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Chicken, Asparagus, and Bacon Pasta Shells
Allow the chicken, asparagus, and bacon pasta shells to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to soggy pasta and a less appealing texture.
Once cooled, transfer the pasta to a large, shallow airtight container or divide it into individual serving-sized containers for convenience. Make sure to use containers that are suitable for both refrigeration and freezing.
If you have any extra sauce, store it separately in a smaller airtight container. This will allow you to control the amount of sauce you use when reheating the pasta and prevent the shells from becoming too soggy.
For refrigeration, the pasta will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce if needed.
If you want to freeze the chicken, asparagus, and bacon pasta shells, transfer the cooled pasta to freezer-safe airtight containers or resealable bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn. Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy reference.
Frozen pasta will maintain its best quality for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours until completely thawed. Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, as mentioned above, adding a little extra milk or cream to help revive the sauce if it appears dry.
If you have stored the sauce separately, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking occasionally to ensure a smooth consistency. Pour the heated sauce over the reheated pasta and toss to combine before serving.
Reheating Tips for Leftover Pasta Shells
The best way to reheat leftover chicken, asparagus, and bacon pasta shells is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the pasta from drying out and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method ensures that the pasta and sauce are evenly heated and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of water or milk to help keep the pasta moist. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Be careful not to overheat the pasta, as it can become rubbery and tough.
If you prefer a stovetop method, you can reheat the chicken, asparagus, and bacon pasta shells in a skillet. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the leftovers and stir gently until heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen it up.
For a quick and easy lunch, consider turning your leftover chicken, asparagus, and bacon pasta shells into a cold pasta salad. Simply chop up the pasta and mix it with some fresh vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers. Toss with a light vinaigrette or your favorite salad dressing and enjoy a refreshing and satisfying meal.
If you want to get creative with your leftovers, try using them as a filling for a delicious pasta bake. Layer the leftover pasta with some ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan in a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Interesting Trivia About Chicken, Asparagus, and Bacon Pasta Shells
The chicken, asparagus, and bacon pasta shells recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the savory flavors of bacon and chicken with the freshness of asparagus. This recipe offers a perfect blend of textures and tastes, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. Whether you're a fan of creamy pasta dishes or simply enjoy the combination of these ingredients, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With the addition of parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Budget-Friendly or Splurge-Worthy? The Cost of Making This Recipe at Home
The cost-effectiveness of this chicken, asparagus, and bacon pasta shells recipe is quite favorable for a household. The combination of asparagus, bacon, and rotisserie chicken provides a good balance of flavors and textures. The use of heavy cream and cheese adds richness to the dish, making it satisfying and substantial. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, making it a reasonable option for a flavorful and filling meal. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Dish Healthy or Not So Much?
This chicken, asparagus, and bacon pasta shells recipe is a delicious and indulgent dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to several factors:
- The recipe uses heavy cream and a significant amount of cheese, which are high in saturated fat and calories.
- Bacon, although tasty, is also high in saturated fat and sodium.
- The dish is pasta-based, which can be high in carbohydrates and may not be suitable for those watching their carb intake.
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as asparagus and mushrooms, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap the heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or evaporated milk, to reduce the overall fat and calorie content.
- Use a smaller amount of cheese or opt for lower-fat varieties to decrease the saturated fat content.
- Replace the bacon with a leaner protein source, such as grilled chicken breast or shrimp, to reduce the saturated fat and sodium content.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Use whole grain pasta instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber content and provide a slower release of carbohydrates.
- Reduce the portion size of the pasta and increase the portion size of the vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Pasta Recipe
This chicken, asparagus, and bacon pasta shells recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce, combined with the smoky bacon and tender asparagus, creates a rich and satisfying dish. The addition of rotisserie chicken adds a hearty element, making it a complete meal. The use of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses brings a delightful cheesiness to the dish, enhancing its overall appeal. The optional addition of fresh parsley and red pepper flakes adds a pop of color and a hint of heat, elevating the dish to a new level. Overall, this recipe is a winner, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering.
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Why trust this Chicken, Asparagus, and Bacon Pasta Shells Recipe:
This chicken, asparagus, and bacon pasta shells recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The succulent chicken and savory bacon complement the tender asparagus and al dente pasta shells, creating a harmonious blend. The creamy sauce, enriched with parmesan and mozzarella cheese, adds a luxurious touch. With the convenience of rotisserie chicken, this recipe promises a hassle-free yet gourmet dining experience. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your culinary journey.
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