Quick & Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

My weeknight dinner game changed forever when I discovered this cheesy bacon chicken pasta with broccoli that combines incredible flavors in one skillet.

The creamy sauce brings unexpected magic to simple ingredients.

Crispy bacon pieces add a delightful crunch that makes every bite memorable.

Fresh broccoli florets offer bright green contrast against the rich, melted cheese.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without complicated techniques.

Rich protein from chicken and smoky bacon create a satisfying main course.

I promise you’ll want seconds of this comforting, delicious dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal prepared right in your kitchen.

Why Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli Wins Hearts

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this delightful pasta dish in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Loaded with Flavor Combinations: Enjoy the irresistible blend of crispy bacon, tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and nutritious broccoli that creates a mouthwatering balance of textures and tastes.
• Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist: Transform classic comfort food by incorporating nutrient-rich broccoli, making this pasta a more balanced and wholesome option for those seeking delicious yet nutritious meals.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that streamlines cooking and reduces the number of dishes you'll need to wash afterward.

What Goes In Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: Hearty foundation for the dish, best with short shapes like penne or rotini.
• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color.

• Chicken, Bacon: Protein-rich ingredients that provide savory depth and texture, choose boneless chicken breast and thick-cut bacon for best results.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Rich and creamy cheese blend that creates a luxurious sauce texture, opt for freshly grated cheeses for maximum flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor boosters that balance and highlight other ingredients.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth and complex flavor profile.

• Butter, Flour: Creates smooth roux base for cheese sauce, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Milk: Provides creamy consistency and helps blend sauce ingredients, whole milk recommended for richness.

• Olive Oil or Butter: Helps prevent sticking and adds extra flavor when cooking chicken.
• Parsley: Optional fresh herb garnish that adds bright color and light freshness.

How To Prepare Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare Pasta and Green Veggie

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Drop pasta into bubbling water and cook until tender. Toss broccoli florets into the pot during the final two minutes of cooking. Drain everything in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon and Brown Chicken

Grab a hefty skillet and heat it up. Spread bacon pieces across the surface, letting them sizzle and turn golden brown. Once crispy, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

• Add chicken pieces
• Sprinkle with salt
• Dust with black pepper

Cook chicken until it develops a beautiful golden crust and cooks through completely.

Step 3: Whip Up Luxurious Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in the skillet, creating a smooth base. Sprinkle flour and whisk energetically until the mixture turns a delicate golden color. Slowly pour warm milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the sauce thicken and become velvety.

• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Tumble pasta, broccoli, chicken, and bacon into the creamy cheese sauce. Toss gently until every morsel gets a loving coating of cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Scoop the pasta onto warm plates. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle additional Parmesan or fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately while the dish is steaming hot and irresistibly fragrant.

Pro Tip: This comfort food masterpiece pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread on the side.

Tips To Improve Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli

• Perfectly Crisp Bacon: Use a cold skillet to render fat slowly, creating extra crispy bacon without burning. Pat bacon dry before cooking to achieve maximum crunchiness.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Slice chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and maintain moisture by not overcooking. Let chicken rest briefly after cooking to retain juices.
• Smooth Cheese Sauce Magic: Warm milk before adding to prevent lumpy sauce. Grate cheese freshly and add off the heat to maintain creamy texture and prevent separation.
• Quick Veggie Boost: Chop broccoli into similar-sized florets for consistent cooking. Blanching briefly helps retain bright green color and crisp texture.
• One-Pan Efficiency: Use the same skillet for bacon, chicken, and sauce to capture delicious browned bits, maximizing flavor without extra dishes.

Best Storage Tips For Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal the dish tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess and prevent drying out.
• Avoid freezing this pasta, as the cheese sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed.
• When reheating, stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and keep the texture smooth.
• Always check the temperature before serving to ensure it's hot throughout.
• Discard any leftovers that have been sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent potential foodborne illness.

What To Serve With Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, creamy cheese sauce and complements the salty bacon perfectly. Its bright acidity balances the heaviness of the dish.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the decadent pasta. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will cleanse the palate between bites.
• Select Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale to enhance the smoky bacon flavors. The beer's carbonation helps cut through the creamy cheese sauce and provides a refreshing counterpoint.
• Enjoy with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve alongside a warm, toasted baguette brushed with garlic butter. The crispy bread will soak up the delicious cheese sauce and add an extra layer of texture to the meal.

Switch Up Your Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli

• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Swap smoked paprika for chili powder and add diced jalapeños. Mix in black beans and corn for a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile that brings extra heat and texture to the dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace cheddar with crumbled feta cheese and mix in sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle fresh oregano and basil to transform the pasta into a Mediterranean-style comfort meal with bright, tangy notes.
• Creamy Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of milk and add nutritional yeast for a protein-packed, dairy-free version that maintains the rich, creamy consistency.
• Green Goddess Version: Incorporate spinach and kale into the cheese sauce. Add green onions and swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles for a nutrient-dense, lighter take on the classic recipe that keeps all the delicious flavors intact.

FAQs For Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli

• Why should I use smoked paprika in this recipe?

Smoked paprika adds a deep, rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish, giving it a subtle smoky undertone that complements the bacon and cheese perfectly.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have cheddar?

Absolutely! You can substitute cheddar with monterey jack, gouda, or even mozzarella. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and has a good flavor profile.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This pasta dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.

• How can I make this recipe lighter or healthier?

Try using whole wheat pasta, reducing the amount of cheese, using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and adding more vegetables to increase the nutritional value of the dish.

Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

Indulgent “cheesy bacon chicken pasta with broccoli” delivers a comforting symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy cheese blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

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

Carbohydrate and Vegetable Ingredients:

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

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 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. Initiate pasta preparation by submerging noodles in generously salted water, following package guidelines. Introduce broccoli florets during the final two minutes of boiling. Carefully drain and reserve the pasta-broccoli mixture.
2. Transform skillet into a crispy bacon sanctuary, rendering fat and creating golden, crunchy bits. Transfer bacon to absorbent paper towels for excess grease removal.
3. Utilize the identical skillet to sear chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until exterior develops a rich, caramelized texture and interior reaches complete doneness.
4. Craft a velvety roux by melting butter and gradually incorporating flour. Whisk consistently to prevent scorching, allowing mixture to develop a delicate golden hue.
5. Gradually stream warm milk into the roux, whisking vigorously to eliminate potential lumps. Allow sauce to thicken and develop a smooth consistency.
6. Incorporate cheddar and parmesan cheeses, stirring until completely melted. Enhance flavor profile with smoked paprika, additional salt, and freshly ground pepper.
7. Reunite pasta, broccoli, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked chicken with the luxurious cheese sauce. Gently fold ingredients to ensure uniform coating.
8. Present the dish immediately, optionally adorning with additional parmesan or freshly chopped parsley for visual and flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose short pasta like penne or rotini for better sauce and ingredient coverage, ensuring every bite is deliciously cheesy.
• Bacon Brilliance: Opt for thick-cut bacon to get crispier, more flavorful bits that add incredible texture to the dish.
• Healthier Swap: Replace regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or cauliflower to increase nutritional value and create more vibrant color.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg