There’s something irresistibly comforting about a dish that brings together creamy sauce, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and vibrant green broccoli all tossed with al dente penne pasta. This Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is the kind of recipe that feels like a cozy hug on a plate—rich, savory, and utterly satisfying. Every bite gives you that perfect balance of salty crunch from the bacon, a silky cheese sauce that clings to each pasta tube, and little bursts of fresh broccoli that wake up your palate. It’s the ultimate midweek treat, yet special enough to serve when friends drop by or when you want to impress your family without spending hours in the kitchen.
As someone who juggles a busy schedule, I love that this recipe sits at an intermediate difficulty level but still feels totally achievable, even on a weeknight. It takes about 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking time, and while there’s no resting time, it’s pure magic from start to finish. At around 600 calories per serving, it’s hearty enough to fill you up without leaving that heavy, overstuffed feeling. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or simply craving that ooey-gooey cheesiness all to yourself, this dish checks every box for a memorable dinner. Pull up a chair, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the deliciousness!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
Before we get cooking, let’s talk about the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays its part in building layers of flavor and texture, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed pasta:
- Penne pasta
The sturdy ridges and tube shape of penne are perfect for trapping the rich cheese sauce and bits of bacon in every bite. Cooking it to al dente ensures the pasta holds up beautifully without turning mushy.
- Olive oil
A splash of olive oil helps to gently fry the bacon and juicy chicken, adding a hint of fruitiness and carrying fat-soluble flavors into the sauce.
- Bacon
Chopped bacon crisps up in the skillet, rendering smoky, savory fat that forms the flavor foundation. The crispy bits add delightful texture against the soft pasta and broccoli.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cut into bite-sized pieces, chicken soaks up the sauce’s creamy goodness. Cooking it directly in the bacon fat gives the meat a lightly seasoned, golden-brown exterior.
- Salt and pepper
Basic but essential—seasoning balances and enhances the savory and creamy elements, making every flavor pop.
- Garlic
Minced garlic sautés quickly to release that fragrant aroma and adds a gentle kick that harmonizes with the cheese base.
- Heavy cream
This rich dairy brings unparalleled silkiness to the sauce, delivering that indulgent, velvety mouthfeel we all crave in comfort food.
- Chicken broth
A splash of broth lightens the cream slightly, introducing a subtle savory depth and thinning the sauce just enough for easy coating.
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Sharp, tangy cheddar melts into the sauce, giving it vibrant color and pronounced cheesiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Nutty and salty, Parmesan adds complexity and helps thicken the sauce while balancing the milder cheddar.
- Broccoli florets
Bright green and slightly crisp, broccoli brings freshness, color, and a welcome vegetal contrast to the rich sauce.
- Butter
A pat of butter stirred in at the end gives the sauce extra gloss and a luscious finish.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped parsley adds a final pop of color and a light, herbal note that brightens up each bite.
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
Let’s roll up our sleeves and turn these wholesome ingredients into a single skillet masterpiece. Follow these detailed steps to create a creamy, cheesy sauce, perfectly cooked chicken, and crisp-tender broccoli, all tied together with al dente penne pasta.
1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside, so it’s ready to absorb every drop of sauce.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s crispy and golden, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon pieces to a paper-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
3. In the same skillet with that flavorful bacon fat, add the chicken pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until each piece is golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
4. Reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 3 minutes until it begins to slightly thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
6. Turn the heat down to low. Gradually whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is completely smooth and luxuriously creamy.
7. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir them into the cheese sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the broccoli steam for about 3–4 minutes, just until it turns bright green and tender-crisp.
8. Remove the lid and return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir gently to combine, ensuring every piece of protein is coated in the velvety sauce.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, then toss all the ingredients together with tongs or a large spoon until each penne is thoroughly coated in cheese and studded with bacon and broccoli.
10. Drop in the tablespoon of butter and stir until it melts completely, adding an extra layer of richness and shine to the dish.
11. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving to introduce a bright, herbal finish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
When it comes to plating this irresistible pasta, you’ll want to make every bowl look as inviting as it tastes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or sharing an intimate dinner, these ideas will elevate your presentation and turn a delicious meal into an unforgettable experience.
- Offer warm garlic bread on the side, brushed with herb-infused butter and lightly toasted until golden. The crunchy exterior and buttery garlic flavor make it perfect for sopping up any extra cheesy sauce.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The refreshing crunch and bright acidity of mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes help cut through the richness of the pasta.
- Pair with a light white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Their zesty acidity and fruity notes complement the creamy sauce and balance the savory bacon and chicken.
- Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or flakey breadcrumbs on top just before serving for added texture. A quick broil for a minute can create a golden, slightly crunchy topping that contrasts delightfully with the tender pasta.
HOW TO STORE CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
Storing this creamy pasta properly ensures you can enjoy delicious leftovers without losing any of the dish’s signature flavors or textures. Follow these tips to preserve freshness, maintain creaminess, and reheat with ease.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container once the pasta has cooled to room temperature. This prevents condensation from making the sauce watery and keeps the broccoli from turning soggy.
- For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Be sure to leave a little headspace, as liquids expand when frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently until heated through, avoiding high heat that can cause the sauce to separate.
- If using a microwave, heat in short intervals (about 30 seconds), stirring in between. Adding a small pat of butter or a drizzle of cream can help maintain a smooth texture and prevent dryness.
CONCLUSION
I hope this detailed guide to Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli has inspired you to gather your favorite ingredients and create a comforting, flavor-packed meal. From the first sizzle of bacon in the skillet to the final sprinkle of fresh parsley, this recipe delivers a perfect combination of textures—crispy, creamy, tender, and vibrant—all in one skillet. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining friends who expect something special, this pasta has the versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal to fit the occasion. Its intermediate difficulty, 15-minute prep and 30-minute cook time make it a realistic option even when your schedule is jam-packed, and the 600-calorie estimate means you’re treating yourself without overindulging.
Feel free to print this article or save it to your recipe box for easy reference whenever you’re craving a hearty, cheesy dinner. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section addressing common questions and helpful tips to troubleshoot any cooking challenges. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a comment, ask a question, or share your own twists. Your feedback keeps the community cooking, learning, and enjoying every cheesy, bacon-filled bite together!
Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Description
Experience a delightful medley of tender chicken, crisp bacon, and fresh broccoli enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce tossed with al dente penne pasta. Perfect for a satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the penne pasta, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
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Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes until it starts to thicken.
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Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir them into the cream sauce. Cover and let them steam for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
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Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet, stirring to combine with the broccoli and cheese sauce.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, and toss all ingredients together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
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Stir in the butter until it melts throughout the pasta.
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Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Note
- For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
