Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta Broccoli (Print Format)

Creamy pasta with chicken, bacon, and broccoli in a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta Dish

01 - 300 g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or preferred shape)
02 - 2 cups broccoli florets
03 - 2 chicken breasts, diced
04 - 4 slices bacon, chopped
05 - 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Cheese Sauce

08 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
09 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
10 - 2 cups warm milk
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
14 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
03 - In the same skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
05 - Gradually whisk in the warm milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
06 - Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and bacon to the cheese sauce. Toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley, if desired.