This easy dinner features tender fusilli pasta, chicken, bacon, caramelized onions, pan roasted garlic and a rich, creamy sauce. Your whole family will love this flavorful skillet pasta!
To pan roast the garlic, arrange the unpeeled cloves in a small skillet and cook over medium heat until lightly browned. Turn the cloves over and continue cooking until the other side is browned and garlic is tender when gently pushed. Cool to room temperature, peel, and finely chop. Reserve.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until browned. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
Pour out all but 1 tablespoon bacon drippings. Add the onion and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
Add the chopped roasted garlic and chicken stock. Increase the heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid reduces by half. Add the cream, salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
Cook the cream and onion mixture over medium heat, stirring often, until it reduces and thickens. Add the chicken and all but 2 tablespoons of the chopped bacon (reserve this for garnishing) to the sauce. Stir to combine, lower heat, cover and keep warm.
Heat a large pot of salted water over high heat until boiling. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Drain the pasta in a colander and and add it to the sauce in the large pan. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top and stir to combine all the ingredients.
Serve the pasta hot garnished with the reserved cooked bacon and chopped parsley.
Notes
Note: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk, cream or chicken broth to loosen it up a bit. If it’s too thin, cook over medium heat for a few minutes to thicken. The sauce will also thicken as it cools.To store: Cool any leftover pasta to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.To reheat: Spread the pasta in a skillet and add a splash of milk to help the sauce become creamy again. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until hot and bubbling, about 5 minutes.To freeze: Transfer the cooled pasta with sauce to a tightly wrapped freezer safe container and freeze for up to 6 weeks. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Keyword chicken, easy dinners, family friendly meals, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pasta
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