This comforting dish combines savory flavors and creamy textures, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner tonight.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken breast diced into bite-sized pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for an additional 3 minutes until they are bright green and tender.
Stir in the cooked pasta, 4 ounces of cream cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until everything is combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into pieces.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish and top with crumbled bacon and extra cheddar cheese if desired.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving and enjoy your delicious Chicken-Bacon Pasta Bake!
4 servings
Rich in protein from chicken and bacon, along with carbohydrates from pasta, this dish provides energy while also delivering essential nutrients like calcium from cheese and fiber from broccoli.