Cheesy Beef Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Introduction:

Cheesy Beef Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crispy Beef bacon, wholesome broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce tossed with pasta. This recipe is a perfect choice for a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this delicious Cheesy Beef Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 8 slices Beef bacon, chopped
• 2 cups pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the diced Beef bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the Beef bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
Step 3: Add the diced chicken to the skillet with the Beef bacon drippings. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.

Cooking Note:

Be sure to continuously whisk the flour and butter mixture to prevent lumps from forming in the cheese sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Cheesy Beef Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add diced onions or mushrooms to the skillet along with the garlic.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or additional milk.
• Customize the dish by using your favorite cheese blend in the sauce or adding additional veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.

Prep Time:

• 10 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 20 minutes

Total Time:

• 30 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 20g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Calcium: 250mg
• Potassium: 500mg

Alternative Recipe for Vegans:

Ingredients:

• Substitute chicken with plant-based chicken strips
• Use vegan Beef bacon or omit it entirely
• Replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil
• Use plant-based milk such as almond or soy milk
• Substitute cheddar cheese with vegan cheese

Steps:

• Follow the same preparation steps as the original recipe, substituting vegan ingredients as listed above.

Alternative Recipe for Vegetarians:

Ingredients:

• Follow the same ingredients as the original recipe.

Steps:

• Follow the same preparation steps as the original recipe.

Alternative Recipe for Kids:

Ingredients:

• Follow the same ingredients as the original recipe.

Steps:

• Get the kids involved in the cooking process by allowing them to help with stirring and adding ingredients to the skillet.

FAQ:

1. Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
   Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately ahead of time and combine them when ready to serve.
3. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
   Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet.
4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.
5. Can I use different types of cheese in the sauce?
   Absolutely, experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.
6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
7. Can I add other vegetables to the pasta?
   Certainly, feel free to add vegetables like peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
8. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular Beef bacon?
   Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative to traditional bacon.
9. Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
   Yes, store any leftover Cheesy Beef Bacon Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
10. Can I use different protein sources in this dish?
    Absolutely, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even cooked sausage for variation.

Conclusion:

Cheesy Beef Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. We hope you enjoy preparing and savoring this delicious Cheesy Beef Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli as much as we do! Enjoy!