Whether you’re winding down after a long day or planning a cozy weekend dinner, Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Rich, creamy, and loaded with layers of flavor, this dish brings together tender chicken, crisp bacon, and vibrant broccoli in a luscious cheese sauce that clings to every penne noodle. It’s the ultimate comfort food upgrade, transforming simple pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal you’ll happily serve to family and friends. The moment you dig in, you’ll notice how the smoky bacon and perfectly seasoned chicken elevate the sauce, while the slight bite of broccoli adds a fresh contrast that keeps each forkful balanced and exciting.
I have made this dish countless times for potlucks, weeknight dinners, and even impromptu gatherings, and it never fails to disappear in minutes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its approachable steps and flexible ingredients—you can easily tailor it to what you have on hand, swap in gluten-free pasta, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re seeking a little extra kick. Whether you’re a beginner cook or someone who lives to experiment in the kitchen, you’ll find that this Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is as satisfying to prepare as it is to eat. So grab your skillet, summon your favorite sharp cheddar and Parmesan, and let’s get ready to create a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s helpful to take a quick look at what makes this dish shine. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of texture and flavor, from the foundational pasta to the finishing garnish that adds a pop of color.
- Penne Pasta
A tubular, ridged pasta that holds onto the creamy cheese sauce perfectly. Its sturdy shape makes it ideal for clinging to bits of chicken, bacon, and broccoli in every bite.
- Olive Oil
Used for cooking the bacon and chicken, olive oil adds a subtle fruitiness and helps build a flavorful base without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Bacon
Chopped into bite-sized pieces, crisp bacon delivers smoky saltiness and textural contrast that plays beautifully against the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Breasts
Tender, boneless, skinless chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. They absorb the flavors of the skillet and provide a hearty protein boost.
- Salt and Pepper
Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of each component without competing with the rich cheese sauce.
- Garlic
Minced garlic adds aromatic depth and a gentle heat that warms the palate.
- Heavy Cream
The luxurious base of the sauce, offering a silky texture and rich mouthfeel that coats every ingredient.
- Chicken Broth
Keeps the sauce light and savory while balancing the richness of the cream and cheeses.
- Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar brings that classic, tangy cheesiness that makes comfort food feel indulgent.
- Parmesan Cheese
Finely grated for a salty, nutty finish that smooths into the sauce and heightens overall complexity.
- Broccoli Florets
Bright green florets add freshness, crunch, and a nutritional lift, steaming gently in the sauce until just tender.
- Butter
Stirred in at the end for extra gloss and silkiness, butter ties the sauce together and adds a final buttery note.
- Fresh Parsley
Chopped and sprinkled on top, parsley offers a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness to balance the richness.
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
Now that our ingredients are prepped and ready, let’s walk through the steps that bring this creamy, cheesy wonder to life. From cooking the pasta just right to building a luscious sauce in the same skillet, you’ll find that each step layers in flavor and texture. Keep your spatula handy, and let’s get cooking!
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once tender yet firm to the bite, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside—this ensures your final dish won’t become mushy when you toss everything together.
2. In a spacious skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and let it warm until shimmering. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until each piece is crispy and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat in the skillet.
3. Return the skillet to the heat and add the seasoned chicken pieces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then sauté until each piece develops a golden crust and the center is cooked through—around 6–8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to the same plate as the bacon and keep the flavorful bits in the pan.
4. Reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden—this base adds an irresistible depth of flavor.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine with the garlic-infused fat. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3 minutes, giving it time to reduce and thicken slightly.
6. Turn the heat down to low. Gradually whisk in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, with no lumps of cheese remaining.
7. Add the broccoli florets directly to the skillet, folding them into the cream sauce. Cover the pan and let the broccoli steam for 3–4 minutes, just until it becomes tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp.
8. Uncover and return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet. Gently stir to combine, ensuring each piece is coated in the luscious cheese sauce and flecked with broccoli.
9. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Use tongs or a sturdy spoon to toss everything together, making sure each noodle is enveloped in the creamy mixture.
10. Drop in the butter and stir until fully melted, giving the sauce an extra glossy finish and buttery richness.
11. Taste, then adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with a generous sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley before serving, and prepare for compliments!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
Presenting this decadent pasta dish can be just as fun as cooking it. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight meal or a more formal dinner with guests, these serving ideas will help you showcase the dish’s vibrant colors, textures, and flavors. Think about how you can elevate each plate with little touches that make dinnertime feel extra special.
- Serve on warm dinner plates to keep the pasta hot longer. Preheat your plates in the oven for a few minutes so each forkful stays creamy and steamy.
- Offer a side of garlic bread or crusty baguette slices. The crunchy exterior and soft, buttery interior make perfect vehicles for scooping up every last drop of cheesy sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. A mix of baby arugula, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Finish with a light sprinkle of lemon zest or an extra handful of chopped parsley. The citrusy brightness or vivid green garnish adds a pop of color and an aromatic lift to each serving.
HOW TO STORE CHEESY BACON CHICKEN PASTA WITH BROCCOLI
Storing this pasta properly ensures you can enjoy leftovers that taste almost as good as when freshly made. Follow these tips to maintain its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, whether you plan to eat it the next day or freeze it for later enjoyment.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container once the pasta has cooled to room temperature. This prevents condensation that can make the sauce watery. Stored this way, it will keep for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Press out excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- If you prefer to reheat in the microwave, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until evenly heated.
CONCLUSION
From the very first bite of warm, saucy penne to the last crunchy bite of bacon, Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli delivers comfort and flavor in every forkful. We’ve walked through all the key elements: selecting the perfect ingredients, building a luscious cheese sauce, and balancing tastes with bright broccoli and savory chicken. You’ve seen how a simple skillet method can yield a restaurant-style dish that’s both approachable and impressive. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes—creamy, cheesy, smoky, and just a little crunchy.
Feel free to print and save this article so it’s always at your fingertips whenever you’re ready for a cozy dinner idea. You’ll also find a FAQ below where I’ve answered common questions about ingredient swaps, reheating tips, and more. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment with your thoughts, share any personal twists you added, or ask questions if you need a hand. Your feedback and culinary adventures inspire me, and I can’t wait to chat about all things cheesy and delicious. Happy cooking, friends!
Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and vibrant broccoli for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the penne pasta, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
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Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes until it starts to thicken.
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Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir them into the cream sauce. Cover and let them steam for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
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Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet, stirring to combine with the broccoli and cheese sauce.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, and toss all ingredients together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
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Stir in the butter until it melts throughout the pasta.
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Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Note
- For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
