Preparation & Cooking Time
– Preparation time: 15 minutes
– Cooking time: 25 minutes
– Total time: 40 minutes
– Servings: 6
– Difficulty: Easy
– Cooking method: Stovetop
Ingredients
For the pasta
– 1 pound (450 g) penne pasta
– 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons salt (for pasta water, adjust as needed)
For the chicken
– 1½ pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon salt
For the bacon
– 6 slices bacon
– 1 teaspoon olive oil, if needed
For the creamy Alfredo sauce
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups heavy cream
– ½ cup whole milk
– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
For garnish
– 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
– ¼ cup extra Parmesan cheese
– A pinch of black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the penne pasta
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
Add salt and penne pasta.
Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually 10–12 minutes.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Avoid overcooking because the pasta will be mixed with the hot creamy sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the broccoli
Wash fresh broccoli thoroughly.
Cut into small, bite-sized florets.
Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Add broccoli and cook for approximately 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Drain immediately.
For a firmer texture, transfer the broccoli to ice water to stop cooking.
Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the bacon
Place a large skillet over medium heat.
Add bacon slices and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally.
Cook until crispy and golden brown.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Allow to cool slightly, then chop into small pieces.
Reserve a little bacon for garnishing.
Step 4: Season the chicken
Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes.
Place in a mixing bowl.
Add:
– Garlic powder
– Paprika
– Italian seasoning
– Salt
– Black pepper
– Olive oil
Mix thoroughly until the chicken pieces are evenly coated.
Step 5: Cook the chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally.
Cook until golden brown and the thickest pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 6: Prepare the garlic butter
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add butter to the same skillet.
Once melted, add minced garlic.
Cook for approximately 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Stir continuously to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 7: Make the creamy Alfredo sauce
Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and garlic.
Whisk continuously for about 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking.
Add whole milk and continue stirring until smooth.
Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Do not let it boil vigorously.
Step 8: Add the cheese
Reduce the heat to low.
Add grated Parmesan cheese gradually.
Stir until melted.
Add shredded mozzarella cheese.
Continue stirring until the sauce becomes creamy, smooth, and cheesy.
Season with Italian seasoning and black pepper.
Taste and add salt if needed.
Step 9: Add the chicken
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet.
Stir gently until every piece is coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Allow the chicken to warm through for 1–2 minutes.
Step 10: Add the broccoli
Add the cooked broccoli florets.
Gently fold them into the sauce.
Make sure the broccoli is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 11: Add the penne pasta
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet.
Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in creamy Parmesan sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.
Step 12: Add crispy bacon
Sprinkle most of the chopped crispy bacon over the pasta.
Gently mix to distribute the bacon throughout the dish.
Save some bacon pieces for the final topping.
Step 13: Final cheese topping
Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
Allow the cheese to melt into the warm sauce.
Add a little extra mozzarella if you prefer a cheesier finish.
Step 14: Garnish and serve
Transfer the creamy chicken bacon broccoli penne to a large serving dish.
Top with reserved crispy bacon, fresh chopped parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Enjoy every delicious bite!
Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs beautifully with:
– Garlic bread
– Fresh Caesar salad
– Roasted vegetables
– Garlic butter green beans
– Tomato cucumber salad
– Parmesan breadsticks
– Roasted asparagus
Nutritional Information
Estimated values per serving, based on 6 servings.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 690 kcal
Protein 43 g
Carbohydrates 57 g
Fat 32 g
Saturated Fat 17 g
Fiber 4 g
Sugar 5 g
Sodium 850 mg
Calcium 290 mg
Iron 3 mg
Potassium 620 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and vary according to the bacon, cheese, cream, and pasta brands.
Quick Nutrition Info (Q/S)
– Protein: Chicken, bacon, and cheese provide protein for muscle maintenance.
– Vitamin C: Broccoli provides vitamin C, which supports immune function.
– Vitamin K: Broccoli contributes vitamin K, which supports normal blood clotting and bone health.
– Calcium: Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream contribute calcium for healthy bones and teeth.
– Vitamin B12: Chicken, bacon, and dairy provide vitamin B12.
– Iron: Chicken, broccoli, and pasta contribute iron.
– Fiber: Broccoli and pasta contribute dietary fiber.
– Potassium: Chicken and broccoli provide potassium.
– Energy: Pasta supplies carbohydrates for energy.
Helpful Cooking Tips
1. Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
2. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
3. Cook bacon until crispy for the best texture.
4. Season chicken before cooking for deeper flavor.
5. Avoid overcooking broccoli to maintain its bright green color.
6. Keep the Alfredo sauce on low heat when adding cheese.
7. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
8. Add bacon near the end to preserve its crunch.
9. Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
10. Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
Delicious Variations
– Extra Cheesy Pasta: Add another ½ cup mozzarella.
– Spicy Chicken Pasta: Add red pepper flakes and extra paprika.
– Mushroom Chicken Pasta: Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms.
– Cajun Chicken Pasta: Replace Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning.
– Spinach Alfredo Pasta: Add 1 cup fresh baby spinach.
– Lighter Version: Replace some heavy cream with milk and use reduced-fat cheese.
Storage Instructions
– Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months, although the cream sauce may change texture.
– Stovetop reheating: Add a splash of milk and warm gently over low heat.
– Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals.
For the best taste, add a little fresh Parmesan when reheating.
Allergen Information
– Contains dairy (butter, heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella).
– Contains wheat/gluten (penne pasta and flour).
– May contain soy depending on packaged bacon and pasta ingredients.
Nut Information (Q/S)
Nut type Included?
Peanuts No
Almonds No
Walnuts No
Cashews No
Pistachios No
Pecans No
Hazelnuts No
Other tree nuts No
Nut allergy note: This recipe does not require peanuts or tree nuts. Check packaged bacon, pasta, and cheese labels for possible cross-contamination.
Family-favorite comfort food
Enjoy your Creamy Chicken Bacon Broccoli Penne Pasta