Irresistible Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

Chicken pasta with creamy, crispy bacon bits always sparks excitement in my kitchen.

Comfort food reaches new heights when cheese and broccoli join the delightful mix.

Weeknight dinners transform into something special with this hearty combination.

Rich flavors meld together, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

Home cooks appreciate simple recipes that deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this crowd-pleasing meal.

Pack your plate with protein, vegetables, and pure deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ways to Remix Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free penne or rotini made from rice, corn, or quinoa flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace bacon and chicken with plant-based protein like smoked tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas to create a meat-free version of the dish.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate intake and add extra vegetable nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Modification: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew cream or vegan cheese shreds to make the recipe dairy-free and suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli: A Comfort Classic

• Combines kid-friendly ingredients like pasta, chicken, and cheese with a nutritious boost from broccoli, making it a guaranteed hit for picky eaters and health-conscious parents.
• Easily adaptable to personal preferences by swapping proteins, adjusting cheese types, or adding extra vegetables, ensuring everyone gets their ideal version of this hearty dish.
• Uses affordable, accessible ingredients that stretch to feed a whole family without breaking the bank, delivering maximum flavor at minimal cost.

Ingredients That Build Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

• Pasta, Broccoli Florets: Foundational components that provide texture and nutrition, with pasta as the main carbohydrate base and broccoli adding green color and health benefits. Choose a short pasta shape like penne or rotini for better sauce adherence. Whole wheat pasta works for added fiber.

• Chicken Breast, Bacon: Primary protein sources that add rich flavor and substantial nutrition. Select boneless, skinless chicken breast for lean protein and thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor. Bacon brings a smoky, salty dimension to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy base that creates a luxurious sauce with deep cheese flavor. Opt for freshly grated cheeses for best melting and taste. Sharp cheddar provides more intense cheese notes. Parmesan adds a nutty undertone.
• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall dish flavor. Fresh garlic delivers more robust taste compared to pre-minced versions. Use kosher or sea salt for better mineral complexity.

How to Prepare Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Boil and Prepare Pasta with Broccoli

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Pour in your favorite pasta and cook according to the package directions. About 2 minutes before the pasta reaches its perfect al dente texture, toss in fresh broccoli florets. Let them cook together, creating a harmonious blend of pasta and green goodness. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander, shaking off excess water.

Create Creamy Bacon Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Cream cheese

Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Combine Chicken and Season

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Dried herbs

Toss the seasoned chicken into the creamy sauce. Cook until the chicken is fully done and white throughout.

Bring Everything Together

Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Gently fold everything together, ensuring each piece gets coated in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the crispy bacon pieces. Top with a generous handful of shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Serve and Enjoy

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Extra bacon bits
• Additional shredded cheese

Dig in while it’s hot and enjoy the incredible blend of flavors!

Smart Tips for Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta Perfection

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Salt the water generously for maximum flavor and ensure the pasta is al dente for the best texture.
• Steam Broccoli Just Right: Add broccoli in the last 2 minutes to maintain its bright green color and crisp-tender texture, preventing overcooking.
• Bacon Crispiness Matters: Cook bacon until golden and crisp to add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use freshly grated cheese and add it off the heat to create a smooth, creamy sauce without becoming grainy or separated.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free options, use turkey bacon for a lighter version, or replace chicken with plant-based protein for vegetarian adaptations.

Save and Warm Up This Chicken Pasta Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the bacon separate from the pasta to prevent sogginess and maintain its crispy texture when reheating.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet with a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.

Great Matches for Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta

• Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to cut through the richness of the bacon and cheese, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heavy, hearty main dish.
• Serve warm, toasted garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and add a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Prepare a simple roasted vegetable side with zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to add extra nutrition and color to the plate.

Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty “cheesy bacon chicken pasta with broccoli” delivers comfort and flavor in one satisfying skillet. Crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy cheese sauce combine with green broccoli for a quick family dinner that brings everyone together at the table.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (diced)
• 4 slices bacon (chopped)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Pasta:

• 300 g (10 ounces) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (warm)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil, submerging the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture according to package guidelines.
2. Introduce broccoli florets into the boiling water during the final two minutes of pasta cooking, ensuring a crisp-tender consistency.
3. Carefully drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander, allowing excess water to completely escape, then set aside momentarily.
4. Meanwhile, crisp bacon slices in a spacious skillet over medium heat, rendering the fat and creating golden, crunchy fragments.
5. Remove bacon pieces using a slotted spoon, transferring to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease, and reserve the flavorful bacon drippings in the pan.
6. In the same skillet with residual bacon fat, sauté diced chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and achieve full internal cooking, ensuring no pink remains.
7. Reduce heat and introduce heavy cream, shredded cheese, and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
8. Gently fold the cooked pasta and broccoli into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring every morsel is generously coated.
9. Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon pieces over the pasta, providing a delightful crunch and smoky essence.
10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional cheese if desired, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Check pasta doneness by tasting a strand, ensuring it’s al dente with a slight bite for perfect texture.
• Blanching broccoli in pasta water helps retain its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture while saving time and dirty dishes.
• Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier crunch and more pronounced smoky flavor that complements the creamy chicken pasta.
• Consider gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice for low-carb alternatives that maintain the dish’s delicious essence without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg