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
Units
Scale
- 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.
