Description
A comforting and hearty cheesy pasta bake with chicken and bacon, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. This dish features tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300g penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 150g smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- Add the diced chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and cheese sauce in a large baking dish. Mix well. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving if desired.
Notes
- This cheesy chicken pasta bake can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to a day. It may require an extra 5-10 minutes of baking if cold from the fridge.
- Any pasta shape can be used, though penne and fusilli are recommended. Avoid overcooking the pasta.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and bacon and increase the amount of vegetables like mushrooms and peppers. Roasting the vegetables first can enhance flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen in single portions and reheated slowly.
- Let the cheesy pasta bake sit for 5 minutes after baking before serving to avoid burns.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dinner, Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650cal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 0mg