Chicken Boscaiola Pasta

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, Chicken Boscaiola Pasta is your answer. This dish brings together tender chunks of chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food, but with an elegant twist that makes it worthy of any dinner party or cozy night in. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with the balance of creamy and savory in every bite!

Imagine twirling your fork through a plate of pasta, each bite a combination of juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and that irresistible creamy sauce. The bacon (yes, there’s bacon!) adds just the right amount of salty, crispy goodness, making every mouthful a satisfying experience. It’s like your favorite indulgent meal, but elevated and even more delicious than you thought possible.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Boscaiola Pasta

Here’s why this dish will become one of your go-to recipes:

Comforting & Satisfying: Creamy pasta dishes are a hit for a reason. The chicken, bacon, and mushrooms meld together in the most comforting way possible.

Rich & Flavorful: The sauce is velvety and creamy with layers of flavor from the mushrooms, bacon, garlic, and a splash of white wine. Plus, that hint of Parmesan brings everything together.

Quick & Easy: Despite its elegant flavor, this dish is surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner.

Versatile: Feel free to switch up the protein—substitute chicken with turkey or even keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat altogether and adding extra mushrooms.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this will be the first thing they’ll ask for seconds of.

Ingredients in Chicken Boscaiola Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy, creamy pasta:

For the Pasta:

• Pasta: Use a hearty pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine—something that will hold onto that delicious sauce.

For the Chicken & Sauce:

• Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized chunks. Tender, juicy chicken to complement the creamy sauce.
• Bacon: Adds that crispy, salty element that takes this dish to the next level.
• Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms work best for their earthy flavor and tender texture.
• Garlic: Fresh, minced for that fragrant punch.
• Onion: Chopped, adding a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• White wine: A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc will enhance the sauce, adding depth and complexity.
• Heavy cream: The base for the creamy sauce that envelops the pasta in rich goodness.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that nutty, salty finish.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and veggies.
• Salt & pepper: To season and bring out all the flavors.

Instructions

Ready to dive into this creamy pasta goodness? Here’s how you make it:

Cook the Pasta:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once it’s cooked, reserve about a cup of pasta water (you’ll use it later to loosen the sauce), then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Cook the Chicken & Bacon:

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until it’s crispy. Once it’s done, remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Add a little olive oil to the pan and sauté the chicken breast chunks until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside with the bacon.

Make the Sauce:

In the same pan, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender.

Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes, letting it thicken and become silky. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Combine & Serve:

Add the chicken and bacon back into the pan. Toss everything together to combine. Then, add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss it all together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Once everything is well-coated and the flavors have melded together, remove from the heat.

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley if you’d like.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~600–700 (depending on ingredients and portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Boscaiola Pasta

This creamy pasta is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make the meal even better:

With a Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the pasta beautifully. Try a simple green salad with arugula or spinach.

Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with garlic bread. The crunchy, buttery bread pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta and makes it feel extra special.

Steamed Veggies: Add some steamed broccoli or asparagus on the side for a touch of green and balance to the dish.

Wine Pairing: A glass of the same dry white wine you used in the sauce is the perfect match for this pasta. Or, if you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir would also work well.

Additional Tips

Make it Lighter: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Just be aware that it will change the consistency slightly, but it’ll still be creamy!

Add Extra Veggies: If you want to boost the veggie factor, try adding spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes into the mix.

Leftovers: This dish is a great leftover option. Just be sure to reheat gently to avoid the sauce separating. A splash of milk or cream while reheating will help bring it back to life!

Cheese Variations: Swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or even grana padano for a different flavor profile.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
A1: Yes! You can substitute the chicken with turkey, pork, or even keep it vegetarian with sautéed tofu or mushrooms.

Q2: What if I don’t have white wine?
A2: You can skip the wine entirely or use a splash of chicken broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic option.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: While pasta dishes are best served fresh, you can prep everything ahead of time. Cook the pasta, chicken, and bacon, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and make the sauce.

Q4: Can I freeze Chicken Boscaiola Pasta?
A4: It’s not the best for freezing due to the creamy sauce, which may separate when reheated. But you can freeze the sauce and chicken separately, then assemble and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Q5: Can I make the sauce without cream?
A5: Yes, you can use a milk-based sauce or a cheese sauce as an alternative for a lighter option.

Q6: Can I make this dish without bacon?
A6: Absolutely! You can leave the bacon out or substitute it with prosciutto or Italian sausage for a different flavor.

Q7: What kind of pasta should I use?
A7: Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work well, as they hold onto the creamy sauce. You can also use spaghetti if you prefer.

Q8: Can I use a store-bought cream sauce?
A8: While homemade is always best, you can use a store-bought alfredo sauce as a shortcut. Just make sure to add extra garlic, Parmesan, and wine for flavor.

Q9: How do I reheat leftovers?
A9: Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Q10: Can I make this dish spicier?
A10: Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the pasta for an added kick.

Conclusion

Chicken Boscaiola Pasta is the kind of dish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy dinner or making something special for family or friends. With its rich, creamy sauce, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and tender pasta, it’s sure to satisfy every craving. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become a family favorite in no time!

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