Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, wholesome broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces penne pasta or your preferred pasta variety
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian seasoning.
- In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the seasoned chicken and cook until it browns and is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the broccoli and sauté it for 3-4 minutes until it becomes slightly tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated in the cheesy sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the dish is heated through.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve your Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the type of pasta.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To save time, prep the ingredients in advance, such as chopping the bacon and chicken beforehand.
Conclusion:
Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a delectable meal that brings together classic ingredients in a comforting and satisfying dish. With its creamy sauce, savory bacon, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and cheesy goodness of this delightful pasta dish, and savor every bite!
- Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using penne pasta, you can certainly use your favorite pasta variety. Whether it’s spaghetti, fettuccine, or farfalle, the choice is yours. Just be mindful of cooking times as different pasta shapes may require varying cooking durations. Ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy in the dish. - How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Through Without Overcooking?
Cooking the chicken until it’s browned and cooked through is essential for both safety and flavor. To achieve this, ensure that you cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This helps in even cooking. When sautéing the chicken in the skillet, cook it over medium heat until it turns golden brown on the outside and is no longer pink on the inside. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. - Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly make some preparations ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. You can cook the bacon and chicken in advance, and even blanch the broccoli florets. Store these components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the dish, simply reheat the bacon and chicken in the skillet, cook the pasta, and combine everything with the cheese sauce and broccoli. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort. - How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
While this recipe is undeniably indulgent and comforting, there are several ways to make it healthier without compromising on flavor. Consider using lean turkey bacon or turkey sausage as a substitute for regular bacon to reduce the overall fat content. Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to increase the fiber content and boost nutritional value. You can also incorporate more vegetables into the dish by adding colorful bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. Additionally, you can use reduced-fat cheeses or a combination of cheeses to cut down on calories and saturated fat. Lastly, you can lighten up the sauce by using low-fat milk or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and cheesy pasta dish is loaded with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and pasta tossed in a rich cheese sauce. It’s a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pasta Dish:
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 chicken breasts (diced)
- 4 slices of bacon (chopped)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (warm)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
- Boil the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pot during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Bacon and Chicken:
-
Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
-
Prepare the Roux:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
-
Add Milk and Cheese:
- Gradually whisk in the warm milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper.
Combine and Serve:
-
Mix Everything Together:
- Add the pasta, broccoli, chicken, and bacon to the cheese sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
-
Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce.
- Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.