A rich and creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal! This recipe combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh broccoli, and a trio of cheeses to create an indulgent, flavorful dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly flavorful: The combination of chicken, bacon, and a cheesy sauce makes every bite satisfying.
- One-pot friendly: With minimal cleanup, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Balanced indulgence: Broccoli adds a nutritious touch to this creamy, hearty meal.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite pasta or veggies.
- Family-friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 ounces penne or your favorite pasta
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the broccoli for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss until everything is coated in the cheesy sauce.
- Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving
Variations
- Protein options: Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or a plant-based alternative.
- Pasta choices: Try bowtie, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Herbaceous touch: Use fresh basil or oregano for additional flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While pasta with cream-based sauces doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the cooked chicken and bacon mixture separately for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creaminess.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and pat dry before adding to the skillet.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and bacon ahead, but it’s best to make the sauce and combine the ingredients just before serving.
3. How can I make this dish lighter?
Use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
4. What other cheeses can I use?
Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Gouda can be excellent substitutes.
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
6. Can I omit the bacon?
Yes, the recipe will still be delicious without bacon, though it will lose some smoky flavor.
7. How do I avoid a grainy cheese sauce?
Ensure the heat is low when adding the cheese, and stir continuously to create a smooth sauce.
8. What can I serve with this pasta?
Pair it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
9. How do I keep the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta al dente and avoid overcooking it when reheating.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales well. Use a larger skillet or pot to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Conclusion
Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a perfect blend of indulgence and comfort. With a creamy, cheesy sauce and a medley of savory flavors, this dish is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and ideal for both special occasions and busy weeknights. Give it a try and savor the cheesy goodness!
Print
Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli. Featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a family gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne or your favorite pasta
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Bacon: Cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook Chicken: In the skillet with bacon drippings, cook chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Broccoli: Sauté broccoli in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Make Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until smooth.
- Combine: Return chicken, bacon, and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything in the sauce until well coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Notes
- Swap penne for any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni or fusilli.
- For added flavor, use smoked bacon and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Lighten the dish by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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