Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

Dive into the world of comfort food with this delicious Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli recipe. Combining the hearty flavors of chicken and bacon with the creamy goodness of cheese and the freshness of broccoli, this dish is a perfect balance of taste and texture. It’s an ideal meal for those seeking a satisfying dinner that’s both easy to make and irresistibly tasty. Let’s get started on how to bring this delightful dish to your table.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 8 ounces (any shape you prefer)
• Chicken Breasts: 2, boneless and skinless
• Bacon: 4 slices, chopped
• Broccoli: 1 head, cut into florets
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 tablespoon
• Milk: 1 cup (whole or 2%)
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt and Pepper: To taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken until it’s thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center, approximately 6-8 minutes per side. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Bacon: Using the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, but keep the bacon drippings in the skillet.
4. Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the broccoli is crisp-tender. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.
5. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute until it turns golden brown. Gradually whisk in the milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken, cooked bacon, and broccoli back into the skillet. Stir to combine them well.
8. Add Pasta: Introduce the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the cheese sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
9. Serve: Serve your Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli hot. You can garnish it with extra shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits if desired.

This Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings together a variety of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish that’s sure to become a new favorite!