This mascarpone pasta with chicken and bacon is a rich, creamy delight that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the tender goodness of chicken. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and fresh spinach gives this dish a depth of flavor that is both satisfying and indulgent. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it's a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.
Photos of Mascarpone Pasta with Chicken and Bacon Recipe
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in your pantry. Mascarpone cheese is a creamy, Italian cheese that can often be found in the dairy section. Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add a unique flavor and can usually be found near the canned vegetables or Italian foods. Pesto sauce is a basil-based sauce typically located in the pasta sauce aisle.
Ingredients For Mascarpone Pasta With Chicken And Bacon
Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor and crisp texture to the dish.
Olive oil: Used for cooking, it adds a subtle richness and helps to sauté the onion and bacon.
Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base when sautéed.
Chicken breast: The main protein component, tender and flavorful when seasoned and cooked.
Garlic powder: Adds a concentrated garlic flavor to the chicken.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavors of the dish.
Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Brings a tangy, intense tomato flavor.
Pesto sauce: Adds a fresh, herby flavor with a hint of garlic and cheese.
Spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy taste and vibrant color.
Mascarpone cheese: Creates a creamy, rich sauce base.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, savory flavor when cooked.
Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of tanginess and depth to the sauce.
Lemon: Provides a bright, acidic note to balance the richness.
Milk: Helps to thin the sauce and make it creamy.
White pepper: Adds a mild heat with a slightly different flavor profile than black pepper.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory component and helps thicken the sauce.
Farfalle bow tie pasta: The pasta base of the dish, its shape helps hold the sauce well.
One reader, Becka Grant says:
This mascarpone pasta with chicken and bacon is a delightful dish! The creamy sauce perfectly complements the savory chicken and crispy bacon. The sun-dried tomatoes and pesto add a burst of flavor. A must-try for pasta lovers!
Techniques Required
How to cook bacon: Place the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes until evenly browned. Drain the bacon slices on paper towels and crumble when cooled.
How to cook chicken: Stir chicken into the bacon and onion mixture, season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook and stir for about 10 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink inside and lightly browned outside.
How to cook pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes until cooked through yet firm to the bite. Drain.
How to make sauce: Mix mascarpone cheese, garlic, dijon mustard, lemon juice, milk, and white pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until smooth and bubbling, stirring constantly. Stir in ½ cup of parmesan cheese and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more until the cheese has melted.
How To Make Mascarpone Pasta with Chicken and Bacon
Rich and cheesy mascarpone pasta is made with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and fresh spinach for a heavenly bite that’s served in just an hour.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6slicesbacon
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1cuponion,minced
- 3lbschicken breast,skinless boneless, halves, cubed
- ½tspgarlic powder
- salt and ground black pepper,to taste
- 3tbspsun-dried tomatoes packed in oil,drained and chopped
- 2tbsppesto sauce,prepared
- ½lbfresh spinach
- 8ozmascarpone cheese,(1 container)
- 2clovesgarlic,minced
- 1tbspdijon mustard,or more to taste
- 1lemon,juiced
- ½cupmilk
- ¼tspwhite pepper
- ½cupparmesan cheese,grated, plus 1 tbsp for sprinkling
- 16ozfarfalle bow tie pasta,(1 package)
Instructions
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Place the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes until evenly browned. Drain the bacon slices on paper towels. Crumble bacon when cooled.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir crumbled bacon and onion in the hot oil for about 5 minutes until onion is translucent.
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Stir chicken into bacon and onion mixture and season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook and stir for about 10 minutes until chicken is no longer pink inside and lightly browned outside.
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Stir sun-dried tomatoes and pesto in a large skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes until pesto gives off a little oil; stir in spinach and cook until wilted, stirring constantly.
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Mix mascarpone cheese, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, milk, and white pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until smooth and bubbling, stirring constantly.
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Stir in ½ cup of Parmesan cheese to mascarpone cheese mixture and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more until cheese has melted. Pour sauce over chicken and bacon mixture.
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Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes until cooked through yet firm to the bite; drain.
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Gently fold pasta into chicken mixture and transfer to a serving bowl. Top with spinach mixture and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, or to taste.
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Serve warm and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 806.09kcal
- Fat: 42.84g
- Saturated Fat: 15.55g
- Trans Fat: 0.21g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 16.18g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.00g
- Carbohydrates: 50.67g
- Fiber: 3.62g
- Sugar: 5.15g
- Protein: 52.86g
- Cholesterol: 162.58mg
- Sodium: 860.43mg
- Calcium: 237.84mg
- Potassium: 875.42mg
- Iron: 3.54mg
- Vitamin A: 307.21µg
- Vitamin C: 14.04mg
Technique Tip for Mastering Mascarpone Pasta with Chicken and Bacon
To ensure your chicken remains juicy and flavorful, consider marinating it in a mixture of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and keep it moist during the cooking process.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Mascarpone Pasta with Chicken and Bacon
Cook bacon in advance: Prepare and crumble bacon ahead of time to save on cooking steps.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Opt for pre-cooked chicken breast to cut down on cooking time.
Pre-chop ingredients: Chop onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes beforehand.
Ready-made pesto: Use store-bought pesto sauce to eliminate the need for making it from scratch.
Quick-cook pasta: Choose farfalle pasta that cooks quickly, or use fresh pasta for faster results.
One-pot method: Combine steps to use fewer skillets and saucepans, reducing cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Mascarpone Pasta with Chicken and Bacon Recipe
bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option and provides a similar smoky flavor.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
chicken breast - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, though slightly higher in fat.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more robust and aromatic flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a more complex flavor profile.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder taste and is less visually noticeable in light-colored dishes.
sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil - Substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes provide a burst of freshness and acidity.
pesto sauce - Substitute with basil puree: Basil puree offers a similar herbaceous flavor without the added oil and cheese.
fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale is a hearty green that holds up well in cooking and provides a similar nutritional profile.
mascarpone cheese - Substitute with cream cheese: Cream cheese has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable, though it is less aromatic.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard provides a similar tangy flavor with a bit more texture.
lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor.
milk - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream provides a richer texture and flavor.
white pepper - Substitute with black pepper: Black pepper is more common and provides a similar spiciness.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor but is made from sheep's milk.
farfalle bow tie pasta - Substitute with penne pasta: Penne pasta has a similar shape and texture, making it a good alternative for holding sauces.
Presenting Mascarpone Pasta with Chicken and Bacon
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the mascarpone pasta in elegant, smaller portions to highlight the dish's sophistication and ensure each bite is a burst of flavor.
Use a white plate: A pristine white plate will make the vibrant colors of the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and pesto pop, creating a visually appealing contrast.
Create height: Stack the farfalle pasta and chicken mixture in a neat mound to add height and dimension to the presentation, making the dish look more dynamic and appealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprig of fresh basil or a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top to introduce a fresh, aromatic element and enhance the dish's visual appeal.
Drizzle with sauce: Lightly drizzle some of the mascarpone cheese sauce around the plate for an artistic touch, ensuring it doesn't overwhelm the main components.
Add a lemon twist: Place a thin twist of lemon peel on the side of the plate to hint at the lemon juice used in the sauce, adding a touch of elegance and a pop of color.
Sprinkle with parmesan: Finish with a delicate sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top to add a final layer of flavor and a hint of sophistication.
Use microgreens: Scatter a few microgreens around the plate to add a touch of freshness and a modern, gourmet feel to the dish.
Serve warm: Ensure the mascarpone pasta is served warm to maintain the creamy texture and rich flavors, providing an optimal tasting experience for culinary professionals.
Essential Tools for Making Mascarpone Pasta with Chicken and Bacon
Large skillet: Used for cooking the bacon, chicken, and onion mixture. It provides ample space for even cooking.
Paper towels: Used to drain the bacon slices after cooking, removing excess grease.
Saucepan: Used for preparing the mascarpone cheese sauce, ensuring it heats evenly and smoothly.
Large pot: Used for boiling the bow-tie pasta, providing enough space for the pasta to cook properly.
Colander: Used to drain the cooked pasta, removing excess water.
Wooden spoon: Used for stirring the ingredients in the skillet and saucepan, ensuring even mixing.
Knife: Used for chopping the onion and sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring they are the right size for cooking.
Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the onion and sun-dried tomatoes, protecting your countertops.
Measuring cups: Used for measuring the milk, parmesan cheese, and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like garlic powder, salt, and white pepper.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients if needed before adding them to the skillet or saucepan.
Lemon juicer: Used for extracting juice from the lemon, ensuring you get the most juice with minimal effort.
Grater: Used for grating the parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts evenly into the sauce.
How To Store and Freeze Mascarpone Pasta with Chicken and Bacon
Allow the mascarpone pasta with chicken and bacon to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the pasta from becoming soggy and the sauce from separating.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled pasta dish into an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
When ready to reheat, you can either microwave the pasta or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out and restore its creamy texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the mascarpone pasta. Divide the cooled pasta into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label the containers with the date and contents.
Frozen mascarpone pasta with chicken and bacon will keep well for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
To reheat frozen pasta, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, transfer the thawed pasta to a skillet and reheat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little extra milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency of the sauce.
Note: The texture of the pasta and the creaminess of the sauce may slightly change after freezing and reheating, but the dish will still be delicious and satisfying.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- When reheating leftover mascarpone pasta with chicken and bacon, the best method is to use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out. Heat the pasta in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it's heated through.
- If using a stovetop, place the leftover pasta in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from sticking together. Stir the pasta frequently until it's heated through and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- To add some extra flavor and texture to your reheated pasta, consider adding some fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or grated parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- If you find that the sauce has thickened up too much in the fridge, you can thin it out by adding a little bit of chicken broth or pasta water to the dish while reheating.
- To keep the bacon crispy, it's best to store it separately from the pasta and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until it's crisp again. Then, crumble it over the top of the reheated pasta before serving.
- If you're looking for a quick and easy way to reheat your leftover pasta, you can also try using an air fryer. Simply place the pasta in the air fryer basket, spray it with a little bit of olive oil, and heat it at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until it's heated through and slightly crispy on top.
Random Fact about Mascarpone Pasta with Chicken and Bacon
A unique aspect of this mascarpone pasta with chicken and bacon recipe is the use of mascarpone cheese, which adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish. This Italian cheese is typically used in desserts like tiramisu, but it works wonderfully in savory dishes, providing a luxurious mouthfeel and a subtle sweetness that complements the bacon and chicken.
Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This mascarpone pasta with chicken and bacon recipe is moderately cost-effective. The use of chicken breast, bacon, and mascarpone cheese adds to the cost, but the dish is rich and filling. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $25-$30. The inclusion of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto sauce adds nutritional value and flavor complexity. Overall Verdict: 7/10.
Is Mascarpone Pasta with Chicken and Bacon Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The use of bacon and mascarpone cheese adds significant amounts of saturated fat and sodium to the dish.
- The chicken breast, although a lean protein source, is not specified as skinless, which could increase the fat content.
- The recipe calls for a considerable amount of cheese, which contributes to the overall calorie and fat content.
- The sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and the pesto sauce also add extra fat and calories to the meal.
However, the inclusion of spinach and onions does provide some beneficial nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Use turkey bacon or omit the bacon altogether to reduce the saturated fat and sodium content.
- Opt for skinless chicken breast to minimize the fat intake.
- Replace the mascarpone cheese with a lower-fat alternative, such as ricotta or low-fat cream cheese.
- Reduce the amount of cheese used in the recipe or choose a lower-fat variety of Parmesan.
- Drain the sun-dried tomatoes and use a smaller amount to decrease the added oil.
- Increase the proportion of spinach and other vegetables in the dish to boost the nutrient content and fiber.
- Use whole-grain pasta instead of regular bow-tie pasta to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal.
- Prepare the dish using a non-stick skillet and less olive oil to reduce the overall fat content.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Pasta Dish
This mascarpone pasta with chicken and bacon recipe is a delightful fusion of rich flavors and textures. The creamy mascarpone sauce, enhanced by the tang of sun-dried tomatoes and the zest of lemon, perfectly complements the savory chicken and crispy bacon. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch, while the farfalle pasta provides a satisfying bite. The use of pesto and Dijon mustard introduces a nuanced depth, making this dish both comforting and sophisticated. Overall, it's a well-balanced and indulgent meal that is sure to impress.
Enhance Your Mascarpone Pasta with Chicken and Bacon Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Mascarpone Pasta with Chicken and Bacon Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich creaminess of mascarpone cheese with the savory flavors of chicken and bacon. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and pesto adds a delightful depth, while fresh spinach brings a burst of color and nutrients. The farfalle pasta perfectly captures the luscious sauce, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Trust this recipe for a comforting, gourmet meal that's easy to prepare and sure to impress.
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