Creamy Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli Pasta

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🍝 Creamy Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli Pasta (One Pot)

Description

This Creamy Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and vibrant broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce. Everything cooks in one pot, allowing the pasta to absorb maximum flavor while keeping cleanup minimal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but indulgent enough for a cozy weekend dinner.

🕒 Time & Yield

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

  • Servings: 4 generous servings

🛒 Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 6 strips bacon, chopped

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 2 cups broccoli florets

  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley or red pepper flakes

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Cook Bacon
    Heat a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tbsp bacon fat in the pot.

  2. Cook Chicken
    Add olive oil if needed. Cook chicken pieces until golden and cooked through (5–6 minutes). Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.

  3. Build Flavor
    Add garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. One-Pot Magic
    Pour in chicken broth and cream. Stir well, then add pasta, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

  5. Simmer
    Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  6. Add Broccoli
    Stir in broccoli during the last 4 minutes of cooking.

  7. Finish
    Return chicken and bacon to the pot. Stir in Parmesan until the sauce thickens.

  8. Serve
    Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish if desired and serve hot.

📝 Recipe Notes

  • Sauce thickens as it cools—add a splash of broth or cream if needed.

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor.

  • Broccoli should be tender but still bright green.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Cut chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.

  • Stir pasta regularly to prevent sticking.

  • For extra creaminess, add 2 tbsp cream cheese.

  • Want crispier bacon? Add it only at the end.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 620 kcal

  • Protein: 38 g

  • Carbohydrates: 48 g

  • Fat: 32 g

  • Fiber: 4 g

  • Sodium: 780 mg

(Values vary based on brands and portion size.)

🌿 Health Benefits

  • High Protein: Chicken and bacon help with muscle repair and satiety.

  • Calcium & Bone Support: Parmesan and cream contribute calcium.

  • Fiber & Vitamins: Broccoli adds fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

  • Balanced Meal: Combines carbs, protein, and fats in one dish.

❓ Recipe Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Absolutely—add it straight from frozen and cook 1–2 minutes longer.

Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Substitute half-and-half for cream and use turkey bacon.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but it can be frozen if reheated gently and stirred well.

Q: What pasta works best?
A: Short pasta like penne or rotini holds the sauce best, but fettuccine works too.

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