Chicken Carbonara Pasta Bake: Creamy Comfort Food Perfection
Craving a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Chicken Carbonara Pasta Bake! This recipe takes the classic Italian carbonara and transforms it into a crowd-pleasing baked dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with delicious chicken and bacon – a guaranteed hit with the whole family.
This pasta bake is an elevated version of the simple carbonara. The baking process melds the flavors together in a way that mere stovetop cooking cannot achieve. The top layer of cheese crisps to golden brown perfection while the pasta underneath remains incredibly moist and tender. The addition of chicken adds protein and heartiness making it a truly complete meal.
## Why You’ll Love This Chicken Carbonara Pasta Bake
* **Comfort Food at Its Finest:** This dish is pure comfort food. The creamy sauce, cheesy topping, and savory chicken and bacon create a symphony of flavors that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. It requires minimal prep time and can be assembled in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This pasta bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves a good pasta bake, and the addition of chicken and bacon takes it to the next level.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add your favorite vegetables, use different types of cheese, or swap out the bacon for ham. The possibilities are endless!
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** The pasta bake can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. This makes it a great option for entertaining or meal prepping.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Pasta:** 1 pound of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work well)
* **Chicken:** 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* **Bacon:** 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
* **Eggs:** 3 large eggs
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish (optional)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large pot
* Large skillet
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowl
* Whisk
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to making this delicious Chicken Carbonara Pasta Bake:
**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This means the pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight firmness to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the bake.
3. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
**Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Bacon**
1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and crumble it. Set aside.
**Step 3: Prepare the Carbonara Sauce**
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, and half of the Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. The sauce should be smooth and slightly thickened.
**Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In the same large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and crumbled bacon. Pour the carbonara sauce over the mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly.
3. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup) and the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake.
**Step 5: Bake the Pasta Bake**
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
2. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!
## Tips for the Perfect Chicken Carbonara Pasta Bake
* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Al dente pasta is key for a perfect pasta bake. Overcooked pasta will become mushy during baking.
* **Use High-Quality Cheese:** The quality of the cheese will significantly impact the flavor of the pasta bake. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results. Pre-shredded mozzarella is fine, but avoid the low-moisture varieties.
* **Don’t Skip the Salt:** Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors of the ingredients. Be sure to salt the pasta water generously and season the chicken and sauce to taste.
* **Adjust the Sauce Consistency:** If the carbonara sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can add a bit more Parmesan cheese.
* **Customize with Vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the pasta bake. Some good options include peas, mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach. Add the vegetables to the skillet along with the onion and garlic.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the carbonara sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Use Different Proteins:** If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with ham, sausage, or shrimp.
* **Baking Dish Matters:** While a 9×13 baking dish is standard, you can use other sizes. Adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller dish will require a longer baking time and vice-versa.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Vegetarian Option:** Omit the chicken and bacon for a vegetarian version. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Lighter Version:** Use light cream cheese instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, fontina, or provolone would all be delicious additions.
* **Add Breadcrumbs:** For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
## Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Carbonara Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a side salad or some crusty bread.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich pasta bake.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
This Chicken Carbonara Pasta Bake can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. Here’s how:
1. Prepare the pasta, chicken, bacon, and carbonara sauce as directed in the recipe.
2. Assemble the pasta bake in the baking dish, but don’t bake it.
3. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
4. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time since the pasta bake will be cold from the refrigerator.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerator:** Leftover Chicken Carbonara Pasta Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until heated through. To reheat in the oven, cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the pasta from drying out.
* **Freezer:** While freezing is not recommended due to potential changes in texture of the pasta and sauce, it is possible. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Be aware that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing.
## Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
*Please note that the nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used.*
* Calories: Approximately 600-700
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 40-50g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
## Conclusion
This Chicken Carbonara Pasta Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, cheesy topping, and savory chicken and bacon, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying pasta bake!
Enjoy!