Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake (Printable Recipe)
Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create the ultimate comfort food in this easy one-pan pasta bake.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 -
6 slices thick meaty bacon, chopped
02 -
1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
→ Pasta and Vegetables
03 -
12 oz macaroni pasta
04 -
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
→ Cheeses
05 -
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
06 -
1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
07 -
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
→ Creamy Base
08 -
1 cup sour cream
09 -
3 tablespoons butter
10 -
½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
→ Seasonings
11 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
12 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 -
1 teaspoon salt
14 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Cook bacon slices in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes until crisp, flipping halfway through for even browning. Remove bacon to paper towels and set aside. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from skillet.
02 -
While bacon cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until just barely al dente to prevent mushiness during baking. Drain pasta and set aside.
03 -
Add chicken strips to the skillet with reserved bacon fat along with minced garlic and oregano. Cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes until chicken develops golden color, turning pieces halfway. Add broccoli florets, cover, and steam for 5 minutes until bright green and tender.
04 -
In a large bowl, combine drained macaroni with butter, half of the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, all parmesan, sour cream, and milk. Stir over low heat for 5 minutes until cheese begins melting and sauce becomes creamy but not runny.
05 -
Uncover chicken and broccoli in skillet and crumble half of the cooked bacon on top. Pour creamy macaroni mixture evenly over chicken and broccoli in the skillet.
06 -
Sprinkle remaining cheddar and pepper jack cheeses over top, then add remaining bacon pieces. Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until top is bubbling and golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Calcium rich and offers a hearty serving of protein making it incredibly filling
02 -
Freezes and reheats well for future meals and perfect for leftovers
03 -
Shred cheeses by hand for the smoothest melt and deeper flavor
04 -
Do not skip the bacon fat as it builds a super savory base for the chicken
05 -
Let the bake cool for ten minutes before serving so it holds together perfectly