Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake

This creamy chicken bacon pasta bake combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and al dente pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce.

Quick Answer: Make this chicken bacon pasta bake by combining cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon with a creamy cheese sauce, then top with more cheese and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Category: Main Dish

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American/Italian Fusion

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Contains dairy, gluten

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy, cheesy comfort food with crispy bacon bits
One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully
Budget-friendly family meal
Perfect for potlucks and gatherings

Quick Benefits

This chicken bacon pasta bake combines protein-rich chicken, satisfying pasta, and smoky bacon in a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be prepped ahead. Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients

8 slices bacon, thick and meaty
1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
1½ cups macaroni, uncooked
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup pepper Jack cheese, shredded
½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
4 ounces sour cream
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup cream or milk
¼ teaspoon salt, more to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, more to taste
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon dry oregano

Instructions

Cook bacon in an iron skillet. You may need to do this in two batches.
While bacon is cooking, prepare macaroni according to the package directions.
When bacon is done, remove it from the pan and drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cook chicken strips, garlic, and oregano in the skillet over low-medium heat for 5 minutes.
Turn the chicken, add broccoli, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Drain the cooked macaroni and combine it with butter, half of the cheddar cheese, pepper Jack cheese, all of the parmesan cheese, sour cream, and milk. Stir and melt slightly on low heat for 5 minutes uncovered.
Uncover the chicken and broccoli mixture. Crumble half of the bacon over the top.
Pour the prepared macaroni mixture over the chicken and broccoli mixture in the skillet.
Top the dish with the remaining cheese and bacon.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is browned and bubbly.

You Must Know

Don’t overcook the pasta – it will continue cooking in the oven
Let sauce thicken properly before adding cheese
Allow to rest after baking for sauce to set
Use an oven-safe dish that’s at least 2 inches deep
Check internal temperature reaches 165°F
Add milk if sauce becomes too thick

Serving Suggestions

Garlic bread or crusty baguette
Caesar salad or mixed greens
Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
Glass of white wine or light beer
Bruschetta appetizer
Tiramisu for dessert

Creative Variations

Use turkey bacon for a lighter version
Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach
Swap chicken for Italian sausage
Use different cheese combinations like Gruyere or Fontina
Add sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs

Cultural Notes

This dish combines Italian-American pasta bakes with the American love for bacon and cheese. It’s a modern fusion comfort food that emerged from casual home cooking, particularly popular in suburban American households since the 1980s.

Pro Tips

Reserve some pasta water to thin sauce if needed
Grate cheese fresh for better melting
Cook bacon until extra crispy
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience
Season each component separately
Create a crunchy top with buttered breadcrumbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze this chicken bacon pasta bake?
A: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Q: What’s the best pasta shape to use?
A: Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best as they hold the sauce well.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
A: Use room temperature milk and add cheese off heat.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
A: Yes, but fresh-cooked bacon provides better flavor and texture.

Health Benefits

This chicken bacon pasta bake provides protein from chicken and dairy, complex carbohydrates from pasta, and calcium from cheese. Using whole grain pasta adds fiber, while adding vegetables increases nutritional value. Portion control is key for enjoying this comfort food responsibly.

Nutrition

(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 850 • Carbs: 65g • Protein: 45g • Fat: 42g • Sodium: 980mg

Notes

Leftover chicken bacon pasta bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.