🧀 Creamy Chicken Bacon Baked Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:
   Boil the penne in salted water until just al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Cook the bacon:
   In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Transfer to a plate, leaving a little bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Cook the chicken:
   Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add it to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Make the creamy sauce:
   Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella and cheddar. Cook over low heat until smooth and creamy. Add a little pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
5. Combine:
   Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and crispy bacon to the sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
6. Bake:
   Transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar over the top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot while the cheese is still wonderfully stretchy. 😋

⭐ Recipe Tip

For an extra golden, crispy topping, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.