If you are searching for a comforting yet effortlessly delicious dinner, this One-Pot Chicken Bacon Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Imagine tender spaghetti simmered right in a creamy chicken broth base, enriched with salty crispy bacon, sharp parmesan cheese, and bright, sweet peas — all coming together in a single pot for minimal mess and maximum flavor. This recipe combines convenience with rich textures and vibrant colors, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying meal that feels homemade without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the cream of chicken soup and broth create a silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully, while the parmesan and bacon add layers of savory depth and a nice crunch. The peas brighten the dish and bring a fresh pop of color. All these essentials make this dish not just easy, but irresistible.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5-oz can): Provides a creamy, rich base that keeps the pasta perfectly saucy.
- Chicken Broth (two 14.5-oz cans): Adds moisture and a savory backbone to the dish’s flavor.
- Spaghetti (8 oz, uncooked): The main star of the dish, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Adds a nutty, sharp finish that melts into the sauce for extra indulgence.
- Cooked Chopped Bacon (½ cup): Brings smoky, crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Frozen Green Peas (½ cup): Introduce a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to enliven every bite.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Bacon Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base
Start by whisking together the unsalted cream of chicken soup and the chicken broth in a large saucepot. This mixture creates the luscious sauce that will cook the spaghetti right inside the pot, infusing it with incredible flavor as it simmers.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring your soup and broth mixture to a gentle boil, then add your uncooked spaghetti. Cook according to the package directions until al dente, allowing the noodles to absorb the creamy broth as they soften. This step is key to achieving that perfectly melded texture.
Step 3: Retain the Delicious Sauce
This is one of the most important tricks: do not drain the pasta. You want to keep all that flavorful cooking liquid to mix into your final dish, ensuring every strand of spaghetti is coated with that rich sauce.
Step 4: Add Cheese, Bacon, and Peas
Once the pasta has reached the perfect tender bite, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, cooked chopped bacon, and frozen green peas. The residual heat gently melts the cheese, while the bacon and peas add wonderful texture and color contrast.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before plating, sprinkle a fresh grind of black pepper and, if you like, an extra handful of parmesan cheese over the top. This finishing touch elevates the dish and complements its rich, savory notes beautifully.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Bacon Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of parmesan are all you need to make this dish look and taste fantastic. For extra flair, chopped fresh parsley or basil can add a refreshing herbal note and a splash of green.
Side Dishes
Because this is a rich and filling recipe in itself, consider pairing it with light sides such as a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. A tangy vinaigrette or lemon dressing balances the creamy pasta perfectly and keeps the meal feeling fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner, serve the pasta in rustic bowls with extra bacon on the side for guests to add as they please. Or, transform it into a cozy pasta bake by transferring the mixture to a baking dish, topping with extra cheese, and broiling until bubbly and golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Chicken Bacon Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making leftovers just as tasty as the original meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the peas might lose some texture after freezing, but the overall flavor remains delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the creamy sauce. You can also microwave portions in short bursts, stirring in between, to maintain a smooth, luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully for this recipe, feel free to swap in fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to keep the pasta al dente.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can easily omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian take. Adding sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika can help recreate the smoky depth bacon provides.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Fresh peas are a great substitute if you have them on hand. Just add them during the final stirring step so they remain tender and bright green without overcooking.
What cheese works best apart from parmesan?
Pecorino Romano is a fantastic alternative with a sharp, tangy flavor similar to parmesan. You might also try Asiago or a hard aged cheese for a different twist.
Can I cook this dish without cream of chicken soup?
Yes, but you’ll need to substitute with a homemade roux-based cream sauce to achieve the same texture and creaminess. Otherwise, the dish won’t have quite the same luscious quality.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Bacon Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe is a true winner for anyone craving a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal effort and cleanup. Its creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and the freshness of peas combine perfectly to create a balanced, satisfying plate every time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do — it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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One-Pot Chicken Bacon Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pot Carbonara recipe is a quick and delicious meal that combines creamy chicken soup, chicken broth, spaghetti, parmesan cheese, bacon, and peas into a comforting pasta dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it simplifies traditional carbonara by cooking everything in one pot, eliminating the need for multiple pans and cleanup.
Ingredients
Soup and Broth
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 2 (14.5-oz) cans chicken broth
Pasta and Add-ins
- 8 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup cooked chopped bacon
- ½ cup frozen green peas
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large saucepot, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth and well combined.
- Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Retain the pasta water: Do not drain the pasta once cooked; keep the starchy liquid in the pot.
- Finish the dish: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, cooked chopped bacon, and frozen green peas until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the pasta garnished with freshly ground black pepper and extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to not overcook the spaghetti to avoid mushy pasta as it will continue to absorb liquid as you stir in the cheese and other ingredients.
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce or cream of mushroom soup for variation.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adding peas provides a pop of color and subtle sweetness, but you can swap them for other vegetables like spinach or asparagus.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, consider adding minced garlic into the broth at the start.
