Creamy Baked Chicken Pasta with Bacon: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner
We’ve all been there – staring into the refrigerator, utterly baffled about what to whip up for dinner. The clock is ticking, hungry tummies are rumbling, and inspiration seems to have gone on vacation. It’s a universal dinner dilemma, isn’t it?
Here in Nebraska, the weather often mirrors this indecision. One day we’re basking in glorious 70-degree sunshine, the next we’re bracing for severe thunderstorms, hail, or even an unexpected blizzard. The old saying, “If you don’t like the weather in Nebraska, wait five minutes and it’ll change,” isn’t just a joke; it’s a daily reality! This unpredictable climate often keeps me close to home, especially when a sudden chill or storm rolls in. During these times, the last thing I want to do is venture out for groceries. My goal is always to create something comforting and delicious using ingredients I already have on hand.
That’s precisely how this incredible Creamy Baked Chicken Pasta with Bacon came to be. It was born out of a desire for a hearty, satisfying meal on a cold, blustery day when the pantry and fridge were my only shopping aisles. I remember telling my kids that I should call it “everything but the kitchen sink pasta,” because it truly came together from a collection of beloved staples. And you know what? Some of my children’s most cherished meals are those impromptu creations, and this one immediately joined the ranks of our family favorites. It’s a testament to the fact that the best dishes often come from unexpected moments of culinary improvisation.
Hot and bubbling straight from the oven, ready to serve!
Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken Every Time
Ensuring your chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature is crucial for both food safety and optimal flavor and texture. Nobody wants dry, overcooked chicken or, worse, undercooked poultry. This is where a reliable meat thermometer becomes your best friend in the kitchen.
Gone are the days of guessing whether your chicken is done. ThisThermapen Mk4 is genuinely the best instant-read meat thermometer I have ever owned. Its speed and accuracy are unparalleled, giving you peace of mind and perfectly cooked results every single time. It’s an indispensable tool for any home cook, especially when preparing delicious chicken dishes like this creamy baked pasta.
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Print Recipe
Creamy Baked Chicken Pasta with Bacon
Equipment
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Thermapen Mk4 Instant-read Thermometer (Highly recommended for perfectly cooked chicken!)
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9×13 inch baking dish
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Large skillet or Dutch oven
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Large pot for pasta
Ingredients
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 pounds total)
- 1 pound pasta (such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine, cooked al dente)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (condensed)
- 1/2 cup garden vegetable cream cheese (softened)
- 2/3 cup real bacon pieces (or crumbled cooked bacon)
- 4-6 slices of provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 cups water
- Olive oil (for browning chicken and sautéing)
- Paprika (for seasoning)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
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Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. While I often use penne, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand, such as rotini, fettuccine, or even elbow macaroni. Drain well and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and paprika. Place them in the hot skillet to brown on both sides. This step takes about 15 minutes, ensuring a beautiful golden crust and locking in flavor. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as it will finish baking in the oven.
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Once browned, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
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To the drippings left in the same pan, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bacon pieces. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft, fragrant, and translucent. This usually takes about 5 minutes. The bacon will also crisp up nicely, adding another layer of flavor.
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Stir in the cream of chicken soup, garden vegetable cream cheese, and water. Mix thoroughly until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Spread the cooked pasta evenly across the bottom of your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
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Arrange the browned chicken breasts over the top of the pasta layer.
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Place a slice of provolone cheese (or mozzarella) over each piece of chicken, then carefully pour the creamy sauce evenly over the entire dish, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated.
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Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes if you prefer the cheese to be more golden and bubbly. Use your Thermapen Mk4 to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Pasta Bake
This creamy baked chicken pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a dish. The combination of succulent chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, velvety sauce infused with garden vegetable cream cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to everyone. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you need something satisfying without a lot of fuss. Its ‘dump and bake’ simplicity means less time in the kitchen and more quality time with your family.
Tips for the Best Creamy Baked Chicken Pasta
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While I love penne, any medium-sized pasta with ridges or tubes (like rigatoni, ziti, or cavatappi) works wonderfully as it holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Even spaghetti or fettuccine can be used if you break them into shorter pieces before cooking.
- Don’t Skip Browning the Chicken: Browning the chicken breasts before baking adds a layer of depth and flavor that you won’t get if you simply bake them raw. It creates a delicious crust and keeps the chicken moist.
- Cream Cheese Flavor: The garden vegetable cream cheese adds a subtle herbaceous note that elevates the sauce. If you don’t have it, plain cream cheese will also work, but consider adding a pinch of dried herbs like Italian seasoning or dried parsley to the sauce.
- Cheese Layer: Provolone melts wonderfully and offers a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Mozzarella is a fantastic alternative for that classic cheesy stretch. You could even sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for an extra savory kick.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick after combining the ingredients, you can add a splash more water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency before pouring it over the pasta.
Delicious Variations to Try
This Creamy Baked Chicken Pasta with Bacon is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it based on your family’s preferences or what you have in your pantry:
- Add More Vegetables: Sauté some chopped bell peppers (any color!), spinach, mushrooms, or even a handful of frozen peas along with the onions and garlic for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for varying flavor profiles.
- Smoked Paprika: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for an extra layer of smoky flavor on the chicken.
- Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives, stirred into the sauce or sprinkled on top after baking, can add a vibrant touch.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty baked pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a fresh vegetable accompaniment.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers of this creamy chicken pasta are just as delicious the next day! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either microwave individual servings until hot or place a larger portion back in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. You might want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating to restore the creamy consistency of the sauce.
Whether you’re battling unpredictable weather or simply looking for a new, comforting go-to recipe, this Creamy Baked Chicken Pasta with Bacon is your answer. It’s easy, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to become a cherished dish in your family’s meal rotation. Give it a try tonight and discover your new favorite comfort food!