Quick Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli Recipe That Dazzles

Crafting a delightful cheesy bacon chicken pasta with broccoli satisfies those hearty comfort food cravings we all experience.

Crispy bacon bits promise an irresistible crunch in every single bite.

Tender chicken chunks nestled among perfectly cooked pasta create a delectable harmony of flavors.

Bright green broccoli florets add a nutritious punch to this indulgent dish.

Melted cheese cascades through the ingredients, binding everything into a creamy, irresistible masterpiece.

Rich and satisfying, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Come explore how simple ingredients can transform into an extraordinary dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli Works

• Customize with Ease: Mix and match ingredients like protein or vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Speed through Preparation: Streamline cooking process by simultaneously preparing different components, cutting down total time in the kitchen.
• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers rich, creamy satisfaction with classic combination of chicken, bacon, and cheese that appeals to all age groups.
• Nutritional Power Punch: Packs protein from chicken, fiber from broccoli, and essential nutrients, making it a balanced meal option for busy families.

Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta Ingredients List

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides substantial texture and filling quality to the dish.
• Bacon: A rich, salty meat that adds deep flavor and crispy texture to the recipe.

• Pasta: A comforting base that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides satisfying substance.

• Broccoli: A nutrient-dense green vegetable that adds color, nutrition, and fresh texture to the meal.

Dairy and Sauce Components:

• Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese: Ingredients that create a luxurious, smooth base for the cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Cheeses that provide rich, tangy flavor and creamy consistency.

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that build depth and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Chicken Broth: A liquid that adds additional savory dimension to the sauce.

How To Cook Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Slice Chicken Into Cubes

Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.

Step 2: Crisp Bacon

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease, keeping the delicious bacon drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté Chicken

• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 5: Steam Broccoli

Steam broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and become tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook to preserve nutrients and texture.

Step 6: Whisk Cheese Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar

Stir until ingredients blend into a smooth, velvety consistency.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and broccoli into the cheese sauce. Ensure everything is evenly coated and distributed.

Step 8: Add Parmesan Topping

Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the dish. The residual heat will help melt the cheese and enhance the overall flavor.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the dish to rest for 2-3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and allows flavors to fully develop before serving.

Cooking Tips For Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta

• Slice Chicken Uniformly: Cut chicken into equal-sized cubes to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Bacon Drippings Flavor Boost: Reserve bacon fat in the skillet to add rich, smoky depth to the chicken and sauce, intensifying the overall taste profile.
• Pasta Water Magic: Save a portion of starchy pasta water to help thicken the sauce and create a silky, smooth texture if the mixture seems too dry.
• Steam Broccoli Perfectly: Watch broccoli closely during steaming to maintain its bright green color, crisp texture, and maximum nutritional value, removing from heat just as it becomes tender.
• Cheese Sauce Smoothness: Whisk cheese ingredients gradually and on low heat to prevent separation and achieve a luxurious, creamy consistency without graininess.

Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta Add-On Ideas

• Keto Chicken Alfredo: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, using heavy cream and low-carb cheese for a ketogenic-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh, use plant-based bacon alternatives, and maintain the creamy cheese sauce for a meatless option.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Bowl: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and cashew cream, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce, incorporate diced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat and flavor complexity.

What To Serve With Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta

• Select Crisp White Wine: Pair with a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy cheese sauce and cut through rich bacon flavors.
• Boost with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the heavy, decadent pasta dish and provide refreshing contrast.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Serve warm garlic bread or rustic sourdough to soak up extra cheese sauce and add textural variety to the meal.
• Complement with Light Side: Prepare roasted asparagus or simple green beans with lemon zest to introduce brightness and nutritional balance alongside the indulgent pasta.

Storage Instructions For Chicken Bacon Pasta

• Store in airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water or extra cream to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly, until steaming hot.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce's creamy consistency.

Chicken Bacon Pasta FAQs

• How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which guarantees safe consumption and prevents potential foodborne illnesses.

• Can I substitute different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap cheddar with monterey jack, gouda, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles while maintaining a creamy cheese sauce consistency.

• What if I want to make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey bacon to decrease overall calorie and fat content without significantly compromising taste.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options like chickpea, rice, or corn-based noodles to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this cheesy bacon chicken pasta with broccoli, where creamy sauce hugs tender pasta and crispy bacon. Hearty ingredients combine for a satisfying meal that delivers rich flavors and wholesome goodness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breast
• 1 lb pasta (penne or rotini)
• 8 oz bacon
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Cheese Components:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by slicing into bite-sized cubes, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
2. Crisp bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and perfectly rendered, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease, leaving behind flavorful bacon drippings.
3. In the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté chicken cubes with minced garlic, seasoning with salt and black pepper, cooking until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Simultaneously, bring a large pot of salted water to rolling boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
5. Steam broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until vibrant green and tender-crisp, avoiding overcooking to maintain nutritional integrity and textural contrast.
6. Create luxurious cheese sauce by whisking heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar in the skillet, allowing ingredients to meld and create a smooth, velvety consistency.
7. Incorporate cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and broccoli into cheese sauce, gently folding to ensure even distribution and coating of all ingredients.
8. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top, allowing residual heat to slightly melt the cheese and enhance overall flavor profile.
9. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving, allowing sauce to thicken and flavors to harmonize thoroughly.

Notes

• Customize chicken size uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent bite throughout the dish.
• Save pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency if needed, preventing dry or overly thick results.
• Switch to gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the rich and creamy texture of the original recipe.
• Reduce cheese and use light cream for a lower-calorie alternative without compromising the decadent flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 721
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1025 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 49 g
• Cholesterol: 159 mg