Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake: Comfort Food Perfection

This Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, smoky, and utterly delicious. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or any time you’re craving something satisfying and easy to make. We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring pasta bake perfection every time. Get ready to indulge in layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Ultimate Comfort Food:** This dish is warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying – the perfect antidote to a stressful day.
* **Easy to Make:** While it looks impressive, this pasta bake is surprisingly simple to prepare. The steps are straightforward, and the results are fantastic.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add vegetables, different cheeses, or your favorite spices.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This is a guaranteed hit with family and friends. It’s perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or a cozy night in.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all your ingredients. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.

* **Pasta:** 1 pound of pasta. Penne, rotini, or fusilli are excellent choices as they hold the sauce well. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed.
* **Chicken:** 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or diced. You can grill, bake, or poach the chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
* **Bacon:** 8-12 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. Use your favorite type of bacon – thick-cut, applewood smoked, or even turkey bacon.
* **Cheese:** A generous mix of cheeses is key to the cheesy goodness of this bake:
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Provides a classic cheesy flavor.
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a gooey texture.
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor.
* **Butter:** ¼ cup (½ stick) of unsalted butter. This will form the base of the creamy sauce.
* **Flour:** ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. This will thicken the sauce.
* **Milk:** 3 cups of whole milk. The milk creates the creamy sauce base. You can substitute with 2% milk, but the sauce might be slightly less rich.
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened. This adds richness and tang to the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic adds a delicious aromatic flavor.
* **Onion:** ½ cup of diced yellow onion. Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup of chicken broth. Adds flavor and helps to thin the sauce.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors.
* **Optional:** Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake.

**1. Prepare the Pasta:**

* Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and refers to pasta that is cooked firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the bake.
* Drain the pasta well and set aside.

**2. Cook the Chicken and Bacon:**

* If you haven’t already, cook the chicken breasts using your preferred method (grilling, baking, poaching). Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
* Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

**3. Make the Cheese Sauce:**

* In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
* Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. A roux is a mixture of fat and flour used to thicken sauces.
* Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken.
* Add the chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
* Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
* Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1.5 cups of the cheddar cheese, ¾ cup of the mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**4. Assemble the Pasta Bake:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and crumbled bacon.
* Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
* Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Greasing the dish lightly with butter or cooking spray will prevent sticking.
* Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake.

**5. Bake the Pasta Bake:**

* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 20 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

**6. Rest and Serve:**

* Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake

* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** As mentioned earlier, overcooked pasta will become mushy in the bake. Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
* **Use High-Quality Cheese:** The quality of the cheese will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Use good quality cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for the best results.
* **Don’t Skip the Roux:** The roux is essential for thickening the cheese sauce. Make sure to cook the flour with the butter for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. The seasoning will enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients.
* **Customize Your Bake:** This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Add vegetables like broccoli, peas, or spinach. Try different cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. Experiment with different spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Use Rotisserie Chicken:** To save time, use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the pasta bake.
* **Prepare Ahead of Time:** Assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Prevent Sticking:** To prevent the pasta bake from sticking to the baking dish, grease the dish lightly with butter or cooking spray before adding the pasta mixture.
* **Broil for Extra Color:** If you want the cheese to be even more golden brown, broil the pasta bake for a minute or two at the end of baking. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.

## Variations to Try

* **Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and bacon and add more vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
* **BBQ Chicken and Bacon:** Use BBQ sauce in place of some of the milk in the cheese sauce. Add diced red onion and corn for a BBQ-inspired flavor.
* **Pesto Chicken and Bacon:** Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto to the cheese sauce for a fresh, herby flavor.
* **Buffalo Chicken and Bacon:** Use buffalo wing sauce in place of some of the milk in the cheese sauce. Top with crumbled blue cheese.

## Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your meal:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta bake.
* **Garlic Bread:** Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious cheese sauce.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a healthy and colorful side dish.
* **Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw is a classic pairing with bacon and chicken.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:**
* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pasta bake with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the pasta can become dry.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use different types of pasta?**
* Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you like. Penne, rotini, fusilli, elbow macaroni, and bow tie pasta are all good choices.
* **Can I use different types of cheese?**
* Yes, you can use different types of cheese. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, and provolone are all good options. Adjust the amounts to your preference.
* **Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?**
* Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Can I freeze this pasta bake?**
* Yes, you can freeze this pasta bake. Assemble the pasta bake in a freezer-safe dish and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the pasta bake in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
* **Why is my cheese sauce lumpy?**
* A lumpy cheese sauce is usually caused by not whisking the milk and flour together properly, or by adding cold milk to hot butter and flour. Make sure to whisk constantly while adding the milk, and use room temperature milk for best results.
* **Can I use cooked ham instead of bacon?**
* Yes, cooked ham is a great substitute for bacon. Dice the ham and add it to the pasta bake along with the chicken.

## Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake Recipe

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-35 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli)
* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or diced
* 8-12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* ¼ cup unsalted butter
* ¼ cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups whole milk
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* ½ cup diced yellow onion
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

**Equipment:**

* Large pot
* Skillet
* Large saucepan or Dutch oven
* Whisk
* Large bowl
* 9×13 inch baking dish

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook chicken using your preferred method (grilling, baking, poaching). Once cooked, shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove from skillet, drain on paper towels, and crumble.
4. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
6. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until sauce begins to thicken.
7. Add chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
8. Reduce heat to low and add softened cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
9. Remove from heat and stir in 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and crumbled bacon.
11. Pour cheese sauce over pasta mixture and stir well to coat.
12. Pour pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
13. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
14. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
15. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
16. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
17. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
18. Serve hot and enjoy!

Enjoy this cheesy, comforting, and delicious Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake! It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let us know in the comments how you customized your bake!