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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish with a light olive oil coating.
- Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, then season thoroughly with salt and black pepper.
- Crisp the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and slightly crunchy, then remove and chop into small pieces.
- 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.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain while reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- 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.
- If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water to maintain moisture and help cheese melt smoothly.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and sauce to thicken.
- 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