Introduction
Cheesy chicken and bacon pasta bake is the kind of comforting, oven-baked meal that brings everyone to the table. It combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce baked until bubbly and golden. This is one of those recipes I turn to when I want something filling and reliable that still feels special. The bacon adds depth and saltiness, the chicken keeps it hearty, and the cheese ties everything together into a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated. It is ideal for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or make-ahead meals that reheat beautifully. If you enjoy cozy casseroles with bold flavor and minimal effort, this cheesy chicken and bacon pasta bake deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
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Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake – Creamy, Comforting, and Crowd-Pleasing
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A comforting cheesy chicken and bacon pasta bake made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and bubbly melted cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken breast, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in milk and cream until thickened.
- Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season sauce with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and bacon with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
- Add spinach or peas for extra vegetables.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta bake is easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd. It uses simple ingredients, bakes in one dish, and delivers rich, comforting flavor with every bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta serves as the base of the dish. Short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well and bake evenly.
Cooked chicken adds protein and substance. Leftover or rotisserie chicken works especially well.
Bacon brings smoky, savory flavor and a satisfying texture.
Butter forms the base of the creamy sauce and adds richness.
All-purpose flour thickens the sauce and ensures a smooth consistency.
Milk provides creaminess while keeping the sauce balanced and not overly heavy.
Shredded cheese creates the signature cheesy texture. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella works particularly well.
Garlic enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth.
Salt balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
Black pepper adds gentle heat and seasoning.
Directions
Begin by cooking the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crisp, then remove and drain on paper towels. Chop into small pieces once cooled.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and cheese sauce. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake until bubbling and lightly golden on top. Allow the pasta bake to rest briefly before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven until heated through.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy chicken and bacon pasta bake is easy to adapt. You can add broccoli, spinach, or peas for extra color and nutrition. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or use smoked cheese to enhance the bacon flavor. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or use spicy bacon. You can also make this dish lighter by using reduced-fat milk and cheese, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. These variations allow flexibility while keeping the comforting essence of the recipe intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbs | 46 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 890 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Cook Pasta Slightly Firm: Prevents it from becoming mushy when baked.
Crisp Bacon Well: Adds better texture and flavor.
Rest Before Serving: Helps the sauce set for cleaner portions.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it ahead and bake when ready to serve.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works best.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to two months.
How do I keep the sauce creamy?
Avoid overbaking and ensure enough sauce before baking.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works well with slightly less fat.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the cheesy flavor makes it very popular with children.
Conclusion
Cheesy chicken and bacon pasta bake is a comforting, dependable recipe that combines creamy textures with savory flavors. Easy to prepare and perfect for leftovers, it is an excellent choice for family meals, gatherings, or anytime you crave a hearty, satisfying baked dish.
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