Creamy Cheesy Chicken Bacon Pasta Recipe You’ll Adore

Whipping up a delightful cheesy chicken bacon pasta sparks pure culinary joy for comfort food enthusiasts.

Crispy bacon bits and tender chicken chunks create an irresistible combination that instantly warms your heart.

Rich, melted cheese coats every single noodle with creamy decadence.

Families adore this simple yet indulgent meal that comes together faster than you can say “dinner’s ready!” Weeknight dinners demand something quick and satisfying, and this recipe delivers exactly what you crave.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and cheesy goodness.

You’ll find yourself coming back for seconds, maybe even thirds, of this crowd-pleasing classic.

Why Cheesy Chicken Bacon Pasta Is Always A Hit

• Conquer Comfort Cooking: Perfectly Balanced Flavors lock in every delicious bite of this chicken bacon pasta bake.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasoning to match your family's taste preferences without compromising the core recipe's integrity.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Guaranteed to satisfy hungry guests with its rich combination of protein, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon elements.
• Master One-Dish Wonder: Simplify meal preparation by creating a complete dinner solution that requires minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

What You’ll Need For Cheesy Chicken Bacon Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that provides substantial texture and flavor to the dish.
• Bacon: A crispy and flavorful meat that adds rich, smoky undertones to the recipe.

• Heavy Cream: A rich and creamy base that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that contributes bold flavor and creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, aged cheese that provides a nutty and salty dimension to the dish.

• Pasta: A comforting carbohydrate that serves as the foundation of the recipe.
• Garlic: A pungent and aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Salt: A seasoning that helps to elevate and balance the taste of all ingredients.
• Black Pepper: A spice that adds a subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
• Olive Oil: A light cooking fat used for preparing the baking dish and preventing sticking.
• Parsley: A fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a bright, green accent.
• Pasta Water: A starchy liquid that helps to thin and smooth the cheese sauce.

How To Cook Cheesy Chicken Bacon Pasta

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a large baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into small, bite-sized cubes and season generously with salt and black pepper for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

Fry bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it turns golden and develops a slight crunch. Once done, chop into small pieces.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Chicken

Use the same skillet with bacon drippings to sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add chicken cubes and cook until they turn golden and are completely white throughout, which takes about 6-7 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water following package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta, but keep 1/4 cup of pasta water for potential moisture adjustment.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

• Heavy cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Gently stir to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 7: Adjust Moisture

If the mixture appears dry, pour in the reserved pasta water to help cheese melt smoothly and maintain a creamy consistency.

Step 8: Bake the Dish

Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Look for completely melted cheese and slightly crispy, bubbly edges.

Step 9: Rest and Set

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve hot, ensuring each portion has a delicious mix of chicken, bacon, and melted cheese.

Pro Tips For Cheesy Chicken Bacon Pasta

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Use thick-cut bacon for deeper, richer taste and crisp texture that enhances the overall dish.
• Prevent Dry Pasta: Reserve pasta water carefully to maintain perfect sauce consistency and prevent clumping.
• Perfect Cheese Melting: Grate cheeses fresh for smoother melting and more vibrant flavor profile that coats pasta evenly.
• Temperature Control: Allow dish to rest after baking to let flavors meld and sauce thicken naturally without becoming too dry.
• Protein Variation: Swap chicken with turkey or rotisserie chicken for quick alternative preparation with similar delicious results.

Flavor Options For Cheesy Chicken Bacon Pasta

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace pasta with riced cauliflower, creating a keto-friendly version that maintains rich, creamy textures while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with roasted tofu cubes and replace bacon with smoky tempeh strips, delivering similar flavor profiles for plant-based diners.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta varieties like brown rice or chickpea pasta, ensuring safe consumption for individuals with gluten sensitivities while preserving original recipe's essence.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty, heat-packed transformation of the classic dish.

What Goes Great With Cheesy Chicken Bacon Pasta

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy pasta, balancing the heavy cheese and bacon flavors with its bright, acidic profile.
• Create Refreshing Side Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a tangy, fresh contrast against the decadent chicken bacon pasta, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or a rustic sourdough to soak up the creamy sauce, adding textural variety and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match with Light Beer: Choose a mild wheat beer or crisp pilsner that won't overpower the dish, offering a smooth, refreshing complement to the rich, cheesy pasta.

How To Store Cheesy Chicken Bacon Pasta Easily

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Pack the pasta dish in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Pasta FAQs

• What makes the bacon crispy in this recipe?

The bacon is crisped in a skillet over medium heat until golden and slightly crunchy, which ensures a perfect texture and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Why is it important to reserve pasta water?

Reserving pasta water helps maintain moisture in the dish and assists in creating a smooth, creamy cheese sauce by providing a starchy liquid that helps the cheese melt evenly.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook the chicken cubes until they turn golden and are completely white throughout, which typically takes about 6-7 minutes, ensuring no pink remains in the meat.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

While the recipe calls for cheddar and parmesan, you can experiment with similar melting cheeses like monterey jack or gruyere for slightly different flavor variations.

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory cheesy chicken bacon pasta delivers a mouthwatering medley of comfort and flavor. Crispy bacon, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that promises to delight you with each creamy, indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 4 slices bacon

Pasta and Cheese:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish with a light olive oil coating.
2. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, then season thoroughly with salt and black pepper.
3. Crisp the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and slightly crunchy, then remove and chop into small pieces.
4. In the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the chicken cubes and cook until golden and completely white throughout, approximately 6-7 minutes.
5. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain while reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
6. Combine the cooked pasta, seared chicken, chopped bacon, heavy cream, and both cheddar and parmesan cheeses in the prepared baking dish, stirring gently to integrate all ingredients.
7. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water to maintain moisture and help cheese melt smoothly.
8. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is completely melted and edges are bubbly and slightly crisp.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and sauce to thicken.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot, ensuring an even distribution of chicken, bacon, and melted cheese in each portion.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping chicken with turkey or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes during sautéing.
• Control pasta moisture by gradually adding reserved pasta water, preventing a dry or overly saturated dish.
• Optimize cheese melting by grating fresh cheese blocks instead of pre-shredded varieties, ensuring smoother texture and richer taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg