Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta Broccoli

Creamy cheesy bacon chicken pasta with broccoli is pure weeknight comfort loaded with flavor and made with simple ingredients. Every bite is packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and just enough gooey cheese sauce to make everyone happy at the table. Perfect for nights when you need something cozy fast.

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I needed something everyone would love and there were zero leftovers. Now it is my go-to for a crowd-pleasing meal after busy days.

Ingredients

• Pasta: any short shape holds sauce well and cooks quickly look for brands with a good golden color for best texture
• Broccoli florets: add nutrition and a pop of color fresh is best but frozen works too just thaw first
• Chicken breasts: diced for even cooking choose pieces that feel firm and look pink with no gray edges
• Bacon: brings smoky salty depth thick-cut adds extra crunch
• Olive oil or butter: to sear chicken and develop golden color use extra virgin for richer flavor
• Garlic: fresh cloves give the best punch mince right before using for more aroma
• Salt and pepper: for seasoning taste as you go for best results
• Unsalted butter: forms the base for the creamy sauce control saltiness by starting with unsalted
• All-purpose flour: thickens the sauce sift for lump-free blending
• Milk: warm before adding to avoid curdling whole milk makes the sauce extra silky
• Cheddar cheese: sharp for best flavor shred your own to avoid anti-caking agents
• Parmesan cheese: adds nutty richness grate fresh for a creamier melt
• Smoked paprika: optional but really boosts the savory cheese taste pick a good smoky one from Spain when possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until just barely al dente. Two minutes before the timer runs out add in the broccoli florets so they stay bright green and crisp tender. Drain everything together and set aside so it does not overcook.

Cook the Bacon:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add chopped bacon. Let it cook slowly so the fat renders and bacon turns deep golden and crisp. Remove the pieces to a paper towel lined plate but leave some bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor.

Brown the Chicken:

In the same skillet with bacon drippings add olive oil or butter. Once hot add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook in a single layer for even browning stirring only occasionally. Let the chicken get a golden crust and make sure it is cooked through with no pink in the middle which takes about six to eight minutes. Scoop chicken onto a plate and keep it warm.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

Keep the skillet on medium and melt butter in the pan. Sprinkle in flour while whisking constantly to keep clumps away. Keep whisking for one or two minutes until the flour is just golden and smells nutty. Slowly pour in the warm milk a bit at a time whisking well every time to keep things silky. Let the mixture bubble gently stirring often for three to four minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Lower the heat and add the cheddar and Parmesan along with a little smoked paprika if using. Stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust salt or pepper.

Mix Everything Together:

Return the cooked pasta broccoli chicken and bacon to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss until every piece is coated in cheesy goodness and the dish is evenly hot.

Serve:

Spoon pasta into bowls while the sauce is creamy. Add extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if you want a little color and bite. Serve straight away for peak satisfaction.

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I always look forward to the crispy bacon bits which bring so much savory power to the whole dish. My family laughs because when I first served this, everyone fought for the last golden bacon crumble on top.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool before storing them in airtight containers in the fridge. Enjoy within three days for best flavor. To reheat add a splash of milk to keep things creamy and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Freezing is possible but the cheese sauce can separate sometimes so I suggest freezing just the chicken and bacon mixture then making fresh pasta and sauce when ready to serve.

Ingredient Substitutions

No chicken breast swap for cooked rotisserie chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian spin leave out the bacon and chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or bite-size cauliflower. Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make the dish gluten-sensitive friendly. Any sharp melting cheese works in place of cheddar such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta with a green salad or crusty bread for a rounded meal. It is also a great dish for potlucks or feeding a crowd because it holds well and is simple to double. For a fancier feel top with toasted panko crumbs or extra herbs just before serving.

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A Comfort Dish with Modern Roots

Cheesy bacon chicken pasta is one of those modern American classics born in home kitchens. It takes traditional comfort food elements like chicken cheese and bacon and combines them with quick pasta skills. The broccoli tucks in a healthy touch and families find it irresistible on a cold night.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or any short pasta holds the sauce nicely. Choose your favorite for best results.

→ How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

Whisking warmed milk into the roux helps prevent lumps and ensures a silky, thick cheese sauce. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt.

→ Can I substitute turkey bacon or omit pork?

Yes, turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives work well. Or skip bacon for a lighter dish while retaining great flavor from chicken and cheese.

→ Is it possible to prepare this ahead?

You can cook pasta, chicken, and bacon in advance. Assemble with the cheese sauce just before serving to maintain creamy texture.

→ How can I add extra vegetables?

Feel free to stir in peas, spinach, or roasted bell peppers along with the broccoli for added color and nutrition.