There’s something irresistible about a bowl of penne pasta generously coated in a velvety, cheesy sauce, studded with smoky bacon bits, and dotted with tender pieces of chicken and broccoli. Every bite feels like a warm hug—it’s the kind of comfort food that brings smiles around the dinner table and makes leftovers taste even better the next day. Growing up, I watched my family gather on busy weeknights to share stories over hearty meals, and this Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli has quickly become our go-to when we crave something rich, satisfying, and just a little bit decadent. It combines the best elements of classic Italian–style dishes with an easy, approachable method that lets even kitchen novices shine.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its flavor but in its versatility and straightforward process. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and about 35 minutes of cooking, you can have a restaurant-worthy dish on the table in under an hour. It’s labeled as intermediate difficulty, but trust me—if you can boil pasta and sauté a few ingredients, you’ve got this. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, hosting friends for lunch, or simply treating yourself to a creamy pasta recipe on a chilly evening, this bacon chicken pasta with broccoli checks every box. Plus, at roughly 1025 calories per hearty serving, it’s energy-packed enough to fuel whatever adventures lie ahead.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
Before you dive in, let’s talk about the cast of characters that make this dish shine. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from building the flavor foundation to adding texture and color. Keep them on hand, gather your favorite kitchen gadgets, and get ready to transform simple pantry staples into a show-stopping meal.
- Penne Pasta
Penne’s ridged, tube-shaped design is perfect for capturing every drop of the creamy sauce. Its firm texture holds up well to tossing, ensuring each forkful is coated in cheesy goodness.
- Olive Oil
A drizzle of high-quality olive oil is the starting point for browning the chicken and adding a subtle fruitiness. It helps prevent sticking and infuses the dish with a gentle, Mediterranean flair.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Diced into bite-sized cubes, chicken breasts provide lean protein and soak up seasoning beautifully. When browned properly, they deliver juicy, tender morsels in every mouthful.
- Salt and Black Pepper
The dynamic duo of seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the chicken, broccoli, and cheese. A simple twist of fresh-ground black pepper and a sprinkle of kosher salt elevate the entire dish.
- Bacon
Chopped and crisped in the skillet, bacon adds a luscious smoky crunch that complements the creamy sauce. Its rendered fat also contributes depth of flavor.
- Garlic
Minced garlic is sautéed until just fragrant, lending a warm, aromatic base note that pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheese sauce.
- Broccoli Florets
Bright green and tender-crisp, broccoli provides a pop of color, a boost of nutrients, and a pleasant textural contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Heavy Cream
The secret to a luxuriously smooth sauce, heavy cream brings velvety richness and allows the cheese to melt evenly without separating.
- Chicken Broth
Light chicken broth thins the sauce just enough to achieve the perfect coating consistency. It also infuses a savory umami element.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Sharp, melty cheddar is the backbone of the sauce, offering bold flavor and that irresistible stretchy texture we all love.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
A sprinkle of nutty, aged Parmesan enhances depth, balances the creaminess, and helps thicken the sauce.
- Fresh Parsley
Bright, chopped parsley scattered on top adds a fresh herbaceous note and a touch of vibrant color for the final flourish.
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
Let’s walk through the step-by-step process of turning these ingredients into a luscious, crowd-pleasing dish. You’ll be managing multiple components—from cooking pasta to crisping bacon and building a smooth cheese sauce—but it all comes together beautifully in one skillet. By following these instructions, you’ll master techniques like achieving al dente pasta, rendering crispy bacon fat, and creating a gentle simmer that melds flavors seamlessly.
1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, ensuring it has a slight bite. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent sogginess.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken evenly with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet in a single layer. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Then, toss in the broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn tender-crisp and vibrant green.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the garlic and broccoli. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
6. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is silky smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so that the sauce coats each piece of pasta, chicken, and broccoli.
8. Continue to cook for another 2–3 minutes over low heat, until every ingredient is heated through and the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
When it comes to presenting this creamy pasta masterpiece, a few thoughtful touches can take your dish from great to unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests over lunch, consider these serving suggestions to enhance texture, freshness, and visual appeal. Each idea pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy sauce and smoky bacon flavors, creating a well-rounded meal that feels special without any extra stress.
- Crunchy Garlic Bread
Serve slices of crusty baguette or ciabatta that have been slathered in garlic butter and toasted until golden brown. The crispy exterior and soft, buttery inside provide an irresistible contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Crisp Green Salad
Offer a simple side salad of mixed baby greens, thinly sliced red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Dress it lightly with a tangy vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to cut through the richness of the pasta.
- Bright Lemon Zest
Sprinkle a little freshly grated lemon zest over each serving just before bringing it to the table. The citrusy aroma lifts the entire dish and complements the cheese and bacon accents.
- Chilled White Wine
Pair your plate with a glass of chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. Their crisp acidity balances the cream sauce, while subtle fruit notes echo the savory flavors of chicken and bacon.
HOW TO STORE CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
Life gets busy, and sometimes you’ll want to make a big batch of this bacon chicken pasta for leftovers. Proper storage ensures you maintain the creamy texture, bright broccoli color, and savory flavor without the sauce becoming watery or the pasta turning mushy. Here’s how to keep your dish fresh and delicious for days to come.
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the pasta to a sealed, airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and preserve the sauce’s consistency.
- Freeze Individual Portions
For longer storage, divide the pasta into single-serve freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Freeze flat to stack easily. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat Gently on the Stovetop
Warm leftover portions in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silkiness. Stir constantly until heated through, then serve immediately to prevent overcooking.
- Microwave with Care
Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until piping hot. The damp towel helps retain moisture and prevents dryness.
CONCLUSION
This Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli ticks all the boxes for a memorable, comforting meal that’s surprisingly easy to pull together. From the first step of boiling penne to al dente perfection, through the satisfying sizzle of bacon and garlic, to the final swirl of cheddar and Parmesan in a creamy sauce, every stage is a delight. You get the smoky crunch of bacon, the juicy tenderness of chicken, and the pop of fresh broccoli—all coated in a luscious, dreamy sauce that feels indulgent but is so worth it for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or casual gatherings. With just 15 minutes of prep and about 35 minutes of cooking, you can have a dinner that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Feel free to print this article and save it in your recipe binder or on your device for easy reference later. Below you’ll find a helpful FAQ section to answer common questions and troubleshoot any cooking queries you might have. And if you give this bacon chicken pasta a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your comments, ask questions, or let me know if you put your own twist on it—maybe you swapped in half-and-half for a lighter sauce or added a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Your feedback helps me—and your fellow home cooks—make this comfort food classic even better. Enjoy!
Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Description
Rich, creamy sauce envelops penne pasta, while smoky bacon, seasoned chicken, and bright broccoli deliver a flavorful, satisfying bite perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
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Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they are tender-crisp.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add the cooked chicken and bacon back into the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything to combine well with the cheesy sauce.
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Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through.
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Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Note
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This dish is also delicious with other types of pasta like rotini or fusilli.
- Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
