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Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake

Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake for Ultimate Comfort Food

This Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake is a creamy and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich cheese sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Bake
  • 8 oz Thick-cut bacon Adds smokiness and crunch; turkey bacon is a lighter option.
  • 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breasts Provides protein and texture; ensure not to overcook to avoid dryness.
  • 2 cups Elbow macaroni The classic pasta shape for soaking up the creamy sauce; alternatives include penne, fusilli, or rotini.
  • 2 cups Broccoli florets Adds nutrition and color; swap with cauliflower or mushrooms if preferred.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Offers sharpness and melt; you can substitute with more Monterey Jack or Swiss for varied flavors.
  • 1 cup Shredded pepper jack cheese Introduces a hint of spice; increase cheddar and add chili flakes if unavailable.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Adds a delightful depth of flavor.
  • 1 cup Full-fat sour cream Contributes creaminess; use half sour cream and more milk for a lighter option.
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter Essential for richness in the sauce.
  • 1 cup Whole milk Makes the sauce creamy and luxurious.
  • 2 cloves Minced garlic Enhances aroma and flavor with each bite.
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano Provides lovely herbal notes to the dish.
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best flavors.
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper Adds warmth and enhances overall flavor.

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet
  • pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat over medium heat until hot. Add diced thick-cut bacon and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
    Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6-8 minutes as per package instructions. Drain the pasta well in a colander.
    Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake
  3. In the same skillet with reserved bacon fat, add diced boneless skinless chicken breasts. Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken browns evenly. Stir in minced garlic and dried oregano, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and fully cooked through.
    Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake
  4. To the skillet with sautéed chicken, add broccoli florets and stir well. Cover the skillet with a lid and let steam for about 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli turns bright green and tender-crisp.
    Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the shredded pepper jack cheese, grated Parmesan, full-fat sour cream, and whole milk. Stir everything together until you achieve a creamy texture.
    Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake
  6. Pour the creamy pasta mixture over the chicken and broccoli in the skillet, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses and the crispy cooked bacon on top of the pasta bake.
    Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once heated, transfer the skillet with your Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake into the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
    Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake
  8. Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm as a comforting family meal.
    Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure your chicken is just cooked through to keep it juicy and flavorful in the Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake. For make-ahead meals, assemble everything except the final cheese topping, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

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