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
Scale
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