Buckle up, my fellow flavor fanatics, because we’re about to take your taste buds on the ultimate cozy night adventure with this Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake! This dish is the ultimate comfort food, with a deliciously creamy sauce, tender chicken, and smoky bacon that will have you feeling like you’re wrapped in a warm hug. Get ready to dive headfirst into a bowl of pure, unadulterated bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake
This Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food for those chilly nights when you just need to sink your teeth into something truly indulgent. The silky, cheesy sauce is the perfect complement to the tender chicken and smoky bacon, creating a harmony of flavors that will have you going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Plus, it’s a cinch to whip up, making it the perfect easy-yet-impressive dish to serve up to your friends and family. Get ready to become the ultimate cozy night hero!
Ingredients
This Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake calls for a mouthwatering lineup of ingredients that will transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise. You’ll need pasta, chicken, bacon, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and a few spices and seasonings to bring it all together. The best part? You can easily customize this dish to suit your tastes!
- 12 oz – Penne pasta
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – diced into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon – cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 8 oz cream cheese – softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pasta: You can use any short, sturdy pasta like fusilli, cavatappi, or rotini.
- Protein: Swap out the chicken for juicy shrimp or savory Italian sausage for a delicious twist.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake
Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this easy-to-follow Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake! It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. In the same skillet, cook the diced chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and crumbled bacon. In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Transfer the creamy pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Get ready to become the ultimate cozy night hero!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Veggie Boost: Sauté some diced bell peppers or mushrooms and add them to the pasta mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese to make this dish lactose-intolerant friendly.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a delightful kick of heat.
- Crispy Topping: Sprinkle some crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs over the top before baking for a delicious, crunchy topping.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a complete cozy night feast.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and you’re good to go!
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake is a true flavor explosion, but it’s also packed with nourishing ingredients that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized. With a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse that will have you feeling your absolute best.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Protein: 33 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 29 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake is the perfect make-ahead meal. Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and you’re good to go!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can definitely use a different type of pasta for this recipe. Any short, sturdy pasta like fusilli, cavatappi, or rotini would work great. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if the pasta shape is different.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish dairy-free by using dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese. Just be sure to check the labels to ensure the products are truly lactose-free.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake is the perfect canvas for all sorts of delicious veggie additions. Try sautéing some diced bell peppers or mushrooms and adding them to the pasta mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I use a different protein?
Definitely! If you’re not in the mood for chicken, you can easily swap it out for juicy shrimp or savory Italian sausage. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
Try These Next
- Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Bake
- Creamy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Shells For Cozy Nights
- Creamy Cheddar Pumpkin Mac And Cheese Bake
Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake for Cozy Nights
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Comfort Food Favorites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Warm and comforting, this creamy chicken and bacon pasta bake is the perfect dish for cozy nights spent at home. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
– 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 6 slices bacon, chopped
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
– 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. 2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. 3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
5. 4. In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some grease in the pan.
6. 5. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
7. 6. Pour in the heavy cream, and stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. 7. Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon into the sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
9. 8. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
10. 9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
11.
Notes
– Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
– This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
– Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, bacon, creamy, bake