Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Broccoli and Bacon
Ingredients:
2 cups penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
2 cups broccoli florets
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Bacon:
In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble. Set aside. Discard excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Add Cheese:
Slowly whisk in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and crumbled bacon back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 620 kcal per serving | Servings: 4-6