Short description

A decadent and comforting pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, tender chicken, and sautéed mushrooms in a creamy, Parmesan-rich sauce—all tossed with spaghetti for a flavorful one-pan meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate comfort food — rich creamy sauce combined with smoky bacon and savory mushrooms.
One-skillet convenience — cook bacon, chicken, mushrooms, and sauce all in one pan.
Hearty and satisfying — packed with protein and flavor, perfect for family dinners.
Quick and simple — ready in about 40 minutes for a stress-free weeknight meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz (225 g) spaghetti (white pasta)
1 tbsp olive oil
4 strips bacon, chopped
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced thin
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp butter
8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
¼ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water, as needed)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

directions

Cook the pasta
- Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package directions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Crisp the bacon
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tbsp of fat in the skillet.
Cook the chicken
- Season sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In the same skillet, cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
Sauté the mushrooms
- Add butter to the skillet.
- Cook sliced mushrooms for 5–6 minutes until browned.
- Stir in garlic and sauté for another minute.
Make the cream sauce
- Lower heat, then stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg (if using).
- Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
- Add chicken broth or reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Combine everything
- Return chicken and bacon to the pan.
- Add cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated and heated through.
Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main course, Pasta

Variations

Vegetable add-ins: Stir in spinach, peas, or asparagus for a veggie boost.
Cheese variation: Use Gouda, Gruyère, or a cheese blend instead of Parmesan.
Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce.
Dairy-free version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese.
Protein alternative: Use diced ham or smoked turkey for a different flavor profile.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or pasta water to loosen sauce.
Freezing: Not recommended—cream sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta?

Yes—substitute with any pasta of your choice; adjust cooking time as needed.

2. Can I use cream cheese instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thicker and tangier—add extra broth or pasta water to reach desired consistency.

3. Is ground nutmeg necessary?

No—it’s optional, but adds subtle warmth and depth to the sauce. You can omit or substitute with a pinch of cinnamon.

4. What’s the best way to crisp bacon without overcooking?

Cook over medium heat and stir occasionally—remove when just crisp to avoid burning.

5. Can I prep ingredients ahead?

Yes—cook and store chicken, bacon, and mushrooms separately; reheat and combine with pasta and sauce when ready.

6. Can I make this vegetarian?

Skip bacon and chicken, and add tofu or extra mushrooms for a meat-free option.

7. How creamy will the sauce be?

Very creamy due to heavy cream and Parmesan—add reserved pasta water to adjust thickness.

8. What side dishes pair well?

Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed broccoli for balance.

9. How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy?

Serve promptly—if saving leftovers, slightly undercook pasta initially as it will soften further when reheated.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—use a larger skillet or pot and double ingredients; ensure even heat distribution when cooking.

Conclusion

Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Chicken Spaghetti is a decadent, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and rich in flavor. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and a silky cream sauce coating every strand of pasta, it’s a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or a cozy meal to indulge in. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!