Get dinner on the table fast with this creamy chicken bacon broccoli pasta! Loaded with gooey cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this one-skillet recipe is packed with flavor and sure to be a family favorite. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, combining crispy bacon, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli in a cheesy, satisfying dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-skillet meal for easy cleanup
- Loaded with three kinds of cheese for extra flavor
- A great way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Comforting, hearty, and family-friendly
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- Chicken breast, diced
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Broccoli florets
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
Directions
- Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon – In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble. Leave some bacon grease in the skillet.
- Cook the Chicken – In the same skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown.
- Add Garlic and Broccoli – Stir in the garlic and broccoli florets, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce – Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, mixing until melted and creamy.
- Combine Everything – Add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the cheesy sauce.
- Bake – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle extra cheese on top and bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve – Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth is gluten-free.
- Extra Veggies – Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Lighter Version – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Different Cheese – Try Gouda, Swiss, or Pepper Jack for a unique flavor twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni holds the sauce well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate before baking. Bake when ready to serve.
How do I make it less rich?
Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and broth instead of heavy cream.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Thaw and drain it before adding to the skillet.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Not as written, but you can swap pasta for cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
How do I make it extra crispy on top?
Broil for the last 2 minutes of baking for a golden, crispy topping.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes! It will be slightly less crispy but still delicious.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying it out?
Add a splash of broth or cream before reheating to keep it creamy.
Can I make this without an oven?
Yes! Simply cook everything on the stovetop and let the cheese melt before serving.
Conclusion
This easy chicken bacon broccoli pasta bake is the ultimate comfort meal, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, every bite is packed with flavor. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your home!
Print
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Get dinner on the table fast with this creamy chicken bacon broccoli pasta bake! Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh broccoli, all coated in a rich, cheesy sauce made with cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This easy, one-skillet meal is family-friendly, ultra-comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta & Broccoli – Boil pasta according to package instructions, adding broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce – In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Cheese – Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and melted.
- Combine Everything – Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and bacon to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the cheesy sauce.
- Bake (Optional for Crispiness) – If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs and a little extra cheese on top. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 10 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy – Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and satisfying pasta bake!
Notes
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Casserole
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
