There’s something undeniably joyful about tossing together tender cubes of chicken, crisp ribbons of bacon, and vibrant broccoli florets into a bubbling, velvety cheese sauce. Every forkful of this Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli feels like a warm hug, wrapping you in layers of savory goodness. Whether you’re craving a hearty weeknight dinner after a busy day or looking to impress friends at your next casual get-together, this dish delivers that perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. The pasta—whether penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape—soaks up all that luscious cheddar cream, while the chicken and bacon add protein-packed satisfaction. It’s the kind of recipe that sparks smiles across the table and dinner conversations about second helpings (and maybe even thirds)!
I’ll never forget the first time I served this at a last-minute potluck. The creamy sauce clung to every nook of the pasta, the bacon crackled with just the right snap, and the broccoli provided those bright pops of color and freshness that made the dish feel balanced. Friends kept leaning in for taste tests, and within minutes, the bowl was scraped clean. My enthusiasm for this recipe comes from that moment—the sense of shared delight when comfort food tastes so unforgettable that you can’t help but buzz about it for days afterward. Pull out your skillet, crank up the heat, and let’s dive into a recipe that’s destined to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
To make this recipe truly sing, you’ll want to gather fresh, quality ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the protein components to the cheese and veggies, every item contributes to the harmonious balance of creamy, savory, and bright notes.
- Chicken breasts
Lean, cubed chicken provides a tender protein base that soaks up the savory seasonings and rich cheese sauce. Cooking it until golden ensures a delightful bite.
- Pasta of your choice
Penne or fusilli are recommended for their ridges and tubes, perfect for capturing the cheese sauce. Al dente pasta delivers just the right toothsomeness.
- Bacon
Crispy, chopped bacon adds smoky depth and crunchy contrast. Render it slowly for that perfect balance of fat and crackle without burning.
- Broccoli florets
Bright-green broccoli brings freshness, color, and a subtle crunch. Adding it near the end of pasta cooking keeps it tender yet crisp.
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Sharp cheddar melts into a silky sauce, delivering that signature tangy, cheesy richness with every creamy swirl.
- Heavy cream
Luxurious cream acts as the sauce’s base, lending smoothness and body. It ensures the cheese blends evenly without clumping.
- Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth. A quick sauté releases its signature fragrance without overwhelming the dish.
- Olive oil
Just a drizzle of olive oil prevents the chicken from sticking and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
- Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings that elevate all other flavors. Proper seasoning at each stage ensures a balanced, savory profile.
- Paprika
A pinch of smoked or sweet paprika brings a hint of earthiness and gentle warmth, complementing the bacon’s smokiness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
A dash livens up the sauce with a spicy kick, perfect for those who crave an extra layer of heat.
- Grated Parmesan cheese
An umami powerhouse, Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish when stirred in or sprinkled on top.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped parsley provides a burst of green color and a clean, herbaceous note that brightens each bite.
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
Let’s walk through this recipe step by step so you can recreate that irresistible, creamy pasta magic in your own kitchen. Each stage builds on the last, coming together in a single skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When the pasta is just shy of al dente—about a minute under the package time—throw in the broccoli florets for the final 2 minutes. This technique ensures the broccoli remains crisp-tender. Drain the pasta and broccoli together, then set aside.
2. Crisp the bacon
In a spacious skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Let it render slowly, stirring occasionally, until each piece is deeply golden and crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, keeping that flavorful bacon fat in the pan.
3. Sear the chicken
Pour in the olive oil and let it shimmer. Add the cubed chicken, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a nice sear, then stir and continue cooking until each piece is golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it alongside the bacon.
4. Sauté the garlic
Lower the heat slightly, then add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
5. Build the cheese sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits clinging to the pan. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, then sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk continuously until you have a smooth, velvety sauce.
6. Combine everything
Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, along with the cooked chicken and bacon. Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring each strand of pasta and every floret is generously coated in the cheese sauce.
7. Finish with heat and Parmesan
If you’re craving a bit of spice, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of umami and saltiness.
8. Garnish and serve
Dish out the pasta while it’s hot, and top with a shower of freshly chopped parsley for that pop of color and bright, herbal note.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
When it’s time to bring this bowl of indulgence to the table, a few simple accompaniments can elevate your meal into a truly memorable feast. Think of these serving suggestions as the perfect supporting cast to your star pasta.
- A crisp green salad tossed with a light lemon vinaigrette
The bright acidity and crunch of mixed greens balance the richness of the cheese sauce, cleansing the palate with each bite.
- Warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls
Use day-old baguette slices slit with garlic butter, broil until golden, and serve alongside. They’re perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- A chilled glass of white wine
An unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc offers fruity and grassy notes that pair beautifully with the creamy sauce and savory bacon.
- A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or even some chopped chives
Adding an herbaceous garnish right before serving keeps the flavors lively and the presentation bright.
HOW TO STORE CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
Life is busy, and having a go-to recipe that reheats beautifully can be a real kitchen lifesaver. Here’s how to keep your cheesy bacon chicken pasta tasting just as amazing the next day—or even weeks down the line.
- Refrigerator in an airtight container
Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a sealed container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in a microwave-safe dish or gently warm in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
- Freezer-friendly portions
Divide the cooled pasta into meal-sized, freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, again stirring in a little liquid to maintain creaminess.
- Separate sauce for longer storage
If you want the pasta to keep even better, store the sauce separately from the pasta and proteins. Combine when reheating to preserve the original textures and prevent over-softening.
- Reheating in the oven
For a baked twist, transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan or breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
CONCLUSION
We’ve covered every aspect of creating this Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli—from selecting quality ingredients and mastering each cooking step, to serving it with style and storing leftovers for another delicious meal. This dish brings together tender cubes of chicken, smoky bacon, and crisp broccoli under a decadent layer of creamy cheddar sauce. Its intermediate difficulty level makes it a fun project for cooks who enjoy a bit of technique—like whisking the sauce until it’s perfectly smooth or balancing flavors with paprika and optional red pepper flakes. With about 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking time, you can transform simple pantry staples into a show-stopping weeknight dinner or casual lunch that leaves everyone at the table feeling happily satisfied. And at roughly 800 calories per serving, it’s indulgence you can savor without regrets!
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder for easy access—then dive right in whenever you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. You’ll also find a handy FAQ below to tackle any questions that come up in your kitchen. If you give this recipe a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment, share your tips, or let me know if you ran into any challenges—I’m here to help and always excited to chat about all things cheesy, bacon-packed, and broccoli-bright. Enjoy creating and devouring this ultimate comfort food bliss!
Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Description
Tender chicken and crispy bacon mingle with al dente pasta and bright broccoli in a silky cheddar cream sauce that’s rich, comforting, and unforgettable.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set on paper towels to drain.
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In the same skillet, add olive oil. Once hot, add the cubed chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
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To the skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer and then stir in the cheddar cheese, whisking until melted and smooth.
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Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and bacon into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss well to combine, making sure everything is coated evenly with the sauce.
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If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes for added heat. Also, stir in the Parmesan cheese.
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Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Note
- Stirring the cheese sauce continuously prevents it from becoming lumpy and ensures a smooth texture.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
