Zesty Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable bacon chicken pasta with broccoli.

Rich flavors and creamy textures dance together in a single skillet, creating a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch to tender chicken pieces nestled among perfectly cooked pasta.

Vibrant green broccoli florets bring a fresh, nutritious dimension to this hearty dish.

The sauce, luxuriously smooth and tangy, coats every ingredient with irresistible goodness.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients For Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli

• Pasta: Sturdy vessel for carrying delightful flavors, choose medium-sized noodles that hold sauce beautifully.
• Broccoli: Vibrant green nutrition booster, select fresh and crisp florets with tight, deep green clusters.

• Chicken: Lean protein powerhouse, opt for boneless skinless cuts with consistent thickness for even cooking.
• Bacon: Crispy flavor enhancer, choose thick-cut varieties with balanced fat-to-meat ratio for maximum crunch.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking medium, select extra virgin for richer underlying taste profile.

• Butter: Luxurious flavor foundation, use unsalted for precise seasoning control.
• Flour: Thickening agent ensuring silky sauce texture, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Milk: Smooth base creating dreamy consistency, whole milk recommended for richness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor depth, select aged varieties for more intense taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty complexity, choose freshly grated for superior melting properties.
• Smoked Paprika: Subtle smoky undertone, high-quality spice adds sophisticated dimension.
• Salt: Essential flavor amplifier, use kosher or sea salt for clean taste.
• Black Pepper: Warming spice, freshly ground provides maximum aromatic impact.

Tools To Cook Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta and broccoli together efficiently.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for cooking bacon, chicken, and creating the creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Crucial for mixing roux and blending cheese sauce smoothly without lumps.
• Paper Towels: Needed to drain crispy bacon and remove excess grease.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping bacon and dicing chicken.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta and broccoli after cooking.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.

Steps To Make Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli

• Boil Pasta and Broccoli

Drop pasta into salted water and cook according to package instructions. Toss broccoli into the pot during the final two minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

• Crisp Bacon and Sear Chicken

Fry bacon pieces in a skillet until they turn golden and crispy. Transfer to paper towels. In the same pan, drizzle oil and cook chicken chunks seasoned with salt and pepper until they develop a beautiful brown crust.

• Craft Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in the skillet and whisk in flour until it turns light golden. Slowly pour warm milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the mixture thicken. Fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for depth.

• Combine and Plate

Tumble pasta, broccoli, chicken, and bacon into the velvety cheese sauce. Toss until every morsel is generously coated. Serve immediately, with an optional shower of fresh Parmesan or parsley.

Ideas To Boost Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli Flavor

• Perfect Pasta Prep: Use slightly undercooked pasta when boiling, as it will continue cooking when mixed with the cheese sauce, preventing mushy texture.
• Bacon Brilliance: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and richer flavor, and save some crispy bits for topping just before serving for added texture.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese alternatives, and use dairy-free milk to create a vegan-friendly version of this creamy pasta dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce, making this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Protein Power Boost: For extra protein, swap chicken with turkey, add grilled shrimp, or include plant-based protein like cubed tofu or roasted chickpeas to accommodate different dietary preferences.

Serving Up Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli Comfort-Style

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Gather loved ones around this hearty pasta dish that combines comfort and flavor perfectly.
• Gourmet Lunch Delight: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a mouthwatering midday meal that will make colleagues jealous.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in large serving bowls with extra crispy bacon bits on the side for friends to customize their portions.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Select a crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio to complement the rich cheesy chicken and smoky bacon flavors.

Storing Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli The Right Way

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftovers in airtight containers inside the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might slightly separate, so gently reheat on low temperature while stirring occasionally.
• Quick Freezer Strategy: Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers, ensuring minimal air exposure. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and bacon components separately in advance. Store cooked proteins in sealed containers within the refrigerator for easy assembly during busy weeknights. Chop broccoli and measure cheese ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process.
• Reheating Rescue: Warm individual servings using microwave or stovetop. Add splash of milk or chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.

Creamy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cheesy bacon chicken pasta with broccoli delivers a comforting blend of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and tender chicken. Hearty ingredients combine in this satisfying meal that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 chicken breasts (diced)
• 4 slices bacon (chopped)
• 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (warm)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook noodles according to package instructions. Introduce broccoli florets during final two minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside pasta-broccoli mixture.
2. Bacon Transformation: Render bacon in skillet until crispy and golden. Transfer to paper towels to remove excess grease.
3. Protein Searing: Use the same skillet to cook chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Achieve caramelized exterior and complete internal doneness.
4. Roux Creation: Melt butter in skillet and gradually whisk in flour. Cook until mixture develops a light golden color, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Sauce Development: Slowly pour warm milk into roux, whisking vigorously to eliminate potential lumps. Simmer until sauce thickens and smooths out.
6. Cheese Integration: Fold in cheddar and parmesan cheeses until completely melted. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
7. Final Combination: Merge pasta, broccoli, bacon, and chicken with the creamy cheese sauce. Gently toss to ensure thorough coating of all ingredients.
8. Serving Presentation: Plate immediately, garnishing with additional parmesan or freshly chopped parsley for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Monitor boiling time precisely to maintain al dente texture, ensuring broccoli remains vibrant green and crisp-tender.
• Master Bacon Rendering: Cook bacon slowly on medium-low heat to achieve maximum crispiness without burning, allowing fat to render completely.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk roux continuously and add milk gradually to prevent lumps, aiming for a smooth, silky cheese sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
• Optimize Cheese Melting: Remove skillet from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation, creating a creamy and luxurious sauce without graininess.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg