Are you tired of the same old dinner options? Do you long for a restaurant - quality meal that you can easily prepare at home? Look no further! Today, we're going to explore a mouth - watering recipe for creamy chicken pasta, a dish that combines the sweet taste of tomatoes with the smoky goodness of bacon, just like the popular one at Johnny Carino's.
First of all, let's talk about the ingredients. You'll need some basic pantry staples and a few fresh items. For the pasta, choose your favorite type. Penne or fusilli work great as they can hold the sauce well. You'll also need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are lean and full of protein. Cut the chicken into small, bite - sized pieces. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and quickly.
When it comes to the bacon, opt for thick - cut bacon. The thickness gives it a more substantial and smoky flavor. You can use either regular bacon or turkey bacon if you prefer a leaner option. And of course, sweet tomatoes are a must. Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are ideal as they burst with flavor when cooked.
To make the creamy sauce, you'll need heavy cream. The cream adds a rich and velvety texture to the dish. You can also use half - and - half if you want to cut down on the fat content a bit. Parmesan cheese is another key ingredient. Freshly grated Parmesan will give the sauce a sharp and nutty flavor. Garlic and onions are essential for adding depth and aroma to the dish.
Now, let's get cooking! Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium - high heat. As the bacon cooks, it will release its delicious fat, which will be used to cook the other ingredients. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet.
Next, add the chicken pieces to the skillet with the bacon fat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a little bit of garlic powder. Cook the chicken until it's golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. This usually takes about 5 - 7 minutes. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Now, add the chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté the onions until they're translucent and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so until the garlic is fragrant but not burned.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Let them cook for a few minutes until they start to soften and release their juices. At this point, pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the cream to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the mixture as well. Season the sauce with more salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little bit of heat.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it's well - coated.
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. Let the cheese melt slightly in the heat of the sauce. You can also garnish the dish with some fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
This creamy chicken pasta with sweet tomatoes and smoky bacon is a perfect dinner option for any night of the week. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and can be customized to your taste. Whether you're cooking for your family or having a romantic dinner for two, this dish is sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, head to the kitchen, and start making this delicious copycat recipe from Johnny Carino's at home!
