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.
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Main Ingredients:
Pasta Base:Protein Components:Sauce Elements:Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:Fat and Thickening Agents:Cooking Oils and Optional Garnishes: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.
In the same pan with leftover bacon drippings: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.
Stir in: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.
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FAQs For Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta With Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
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.
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Transform skillet into a crispy bacon sanctuary, rendering fat and creating golden, crunchy bits. Transfer bacon to absorbent paper towels for excess grease removal.
- 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.
- Craft a velvety roux by melting butter and gradually incorporating flour. Whisk consistently to prevent scorching, allowing mixture to develop a delicate golden hue.
- Gradually stream warm milk into the roux, whisking vigorously to eliminate potential lumps. Allow sauce to thicken and develop a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate cheddar and parmesan cheeses, stirring until completely melted. Enhance flavor profile with smoked paprika, additional salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Reunite pasta, broccoli, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked chicken with the luxurious cheese sauce. Gently fold ingredients to ensure uniform coating.
- 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
Emily Morgan
Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.
Education
New York University
Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.
Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.
Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.