Cheesy Bacon Chicken Broccoli Pasta (Print-Friendly Format)
Creamy pasta tossed with juicy chicken, crisp bacon, and broccoli in a rich, flavorful cheese sauce.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Pasta Dish
01 -
300 g penne or rigatoni pasta
02 -
2 cups broccoli florets
03 -
2 chicken breasts, diced
04 -
4 slices bacon, chopped
05 -
2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
06 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese Sauce
08 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10 -
480 ml milk, warmed
11 -
100 g shredded cheddar cheese
12 -
50 g grated Parmesan cheese
13 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
14 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 -
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally. Two minutes before the end of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain both together and set aside.
02 -
Place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry until golden brown and crispy. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
03 -
In the same skillet, add olive oil or butter. Increase heat to medium-high. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
04 -
Melt unsalted butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden. Gradually pour in warm milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until sauce thickens. Add cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and smoked paprika, stirring to melt. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
05 -
Return cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and bacon to the cheese sauce. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley as desired.
# Additional Information:
01 -
A pinch of red chili flakes can be added to the cheese sauce for extra heat.
02 -
Chicken thighs can substitute for breasts for a richer flavor.
03 -
Pre-cooked rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken may be used to save time.
04 -
For best texture, enjoy freshly made. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk to maintain sauce smoothness.