Chicken Alfredo Pasta
This Chicken Alfredo Pasta is loaded with juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, tender rotini, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce that coats every bite. Finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan, it's a comforting meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Total Time50 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: alfredo, bacon, chicken, pasta
Servings: 8
PASTA
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 2 –3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- BBQ rub to taste
- 1 lb bacon cooked and diced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
ALFREDO SAUCE
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic finely grated
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 –2 cups finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Season the chicken thighs generously with your favorite BBQ or all purpose rub and grill over medium-high heat until they reach an internal temperature of 175–185°F. Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set the pasta aside while you prepare the Alfredo sauce.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the grated garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini, diced grilled chicken, cooked bacon, and enough Alfredo sauce to evenly coat everything. Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, tossing until the pasta is creamy and well combined. Add more Alfredo sauce if desired.
Serve immediately while hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper. Pair with garlic bread, a simple Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.