Description

Chicken Pasta Milano is a delightful and quick meal featuring tender chicken breast, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and a creamy plant-based cheese sauce brightened with apple cider vinegar. This flavorful pasta dish combines everyday ingredients into a satisfying and balanced meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

1 lb chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
4 slices smoked turkey bacon

Pasta & Sauce

12 oz pasta of choice (penne or fettuccine recommended)
1 cup creamy plant-based cheese
1 tsp natural gelling agent

Aromatics & Flavorings

2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, diced
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1/2 cup vegetable broth
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnishes & Extras

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Turkey Bacon: Slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside. Add the chicken pieces to the same skillet and cook until golden and fully cooked through, seasoning with salt and pepper as they cook.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan with the residual flavors, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions soften and release their sweet aroma, creating a fragrant base.
Deglaze and Build the Sauce: Pour in apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add vegetable broth and bring to a light simmer.
Add Plant-Based Cheese and Natural Gelling Agent: Stir in creamy plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent to thicken the broth into a smooth, velvety sauce.
Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.
Combine and Finish: Return cooked chicken and crispy smoked turkey bacon to the sauce, then toss in the drained pasta. Mix until pasta is fully coated. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Use warm pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Ensure chicken pieces are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
Deglazing the pan unlocks deep flavor and should not be skipped.
Add fresh parsley just before serving to maintain its bright flavor.
Add apple cider vinegar gradually to balance tanginess without overpowering the dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: Chicken pasta, creamy pasta, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe