Chicken Bakes

Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake

Name: Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 6 slices of bacon, diced; 1 cup (115g) penne pasta; 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth; 1 cup (115g) grated cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (55g) grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter; 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced

By Noelle Kingsley · June 19, 2026 · Chicken Bakes

Prep20 min

Cook35 min

Total60 min

Serves6

Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake — Golden, cheesy, utterly irresistible

There's something special about a warm, satisfying casserole that brings everyone together. For me, it's all about the comfort and love that goes into creating a dish that's both nourishing and delicious. That's why I'm excited to share my Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake recipe with you, a true crowd-pleaser that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

This recipe is a staple in my household, and I just know it will become one in yours too. The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy pasta is absolute perfection. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in no time.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. We were all gathered around the table, and the aroma of melted cheese and savory bacon filled the air. The first bite was like a symphony of flavors, with each component working together in harmony. It was love at first bite, and we've been making it ever since.

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, it's a one-dish wonder that's easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup. The pasta, chicken, and bacon are all cooked together in a rich and creamy sauce, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover pasta or chicken you might have on hand.

Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner solution or a foodie who loves to experiment with new flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs from your family and friends as you bring this delicious dish to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal cleanup
It's a one-dish wonder that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion
The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy pasta is absolute perfection
It's a great way to use up any leftover pasta or chicken you might have on hand
The dish is hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for a cold winter's night
It's a crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a favorite among family and friends

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake is in the layers. By combining starchy pasta with absorbent chicken and crispy bacon, you create a dish that's both satisfying and filling. The creamy sauce brings everything together, adding a richness and depth of flavor that's hard to resist.

Another important factor is the cooking technique. By baking the dish in the oven, you get a crispy, golden-brown crust on top that adds texture and visual appeal. And, of course, the resting time is crucial, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to set.

But what really makes this recipe work is the balance of flavors. The smokiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the savory chicken, while the pasta adds a comforting, homey touch. It's a match made in heaven, and one that's sure to become a staple in your household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake, the ingredients are everything. You'll want to use high-quality pasta, crispy bacon, and tender chicken to create a dish that's both delicious and satisfying. Here are the ingredients you'll need to get started:

Be sure to choose a good quality pasta that will hold up well to the creamy sauce and savory flavors. I like to use a short, tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni, as it provides a nice texture and helps the sauce to cling to the pasta.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessI like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe, as they're easy to cook and provide a nice, tender texture. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
6 slices of bacon, dicedCrispy bacon is a key component of this recipe, so be sure to use high-quality bacon that's smoked to perfection. I like to use a thick-cut bacon, as it provides a nice texture and flavor.
1 cup (115g) penne pastaAs I mentioned earlier, I like to use a short, tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni for this recipe. It provides a nice texture and helps the sauce to cling to the pasta.
2 cups (475ml) chicken brothChicken broth is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, as it provides moisture and flavor to the dish. I like to use a low-sodium broth, as it allows me to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
1 cup (115g) grated cheddar cheeseCheddar cheese is a key component of the creamy sauce in this recipe, so be sure to use a high-quality cheese that's rich and flavorful. I like to use a sharp cheddar, as it provides a nice balance of flavors.
1/2 cup (55g) grated parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese is a nice addition to the recipe, as it provides a salty, nutty flavor that complements the cheddar cheese nicely. I like to use a fresh, high-quality parmesan, as it provides the best flavor.
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flourFlour is used to thicken the sauce in this recipe, so be sure to use a high-quality all-purpose flour that's fresh and well-sifted. I like to use a unbleached, all-purpose flour, as it provides a nice texture and flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butterButter is used to add flavor and richness to the sauce, so be sure to use a high-quality, unsalted butter that's fresh and creamy. I like to use a European-style butter, as it provides a nice, rich flavor.
1 tsp (5g) dried thymeThyme is a nice addition to the recipe, as it provides a savory, slightly bitter flavor that complements the chicken and bacon nicely. I like to use a fresh, high-quality thyme, as it provides the best flavor.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt is used to enhance the flavors in the recipe, so be sure to use a high-quality salt that's fresh and well-sifted. I like to use a kosher salt, as it provides a nice texture and flavor.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper is used to add a nice, peppery flavor to the recipe, so be sure to use a high-quality pepper that's fresh and well-sifted. I like to use a freshly ground pepper, as it provides the best flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a nice addition to the recipe, as it provides a rich, savory flavor that complements the chicken and bacon nicely. I like to use a fresh, high-quality garlic, as it provides the best flavor.

Ingredients for Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerLarge bowlMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or silicone spatula9x13 inch baking dish

How to Make Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake

1
Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C).
2
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it's crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
4
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it's fragrant.
5
Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until they're browned on both sides and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside with the bacon.
6
In the same skillet, add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it's lightly browned and has a nutty aroma.
7
Slowly add the chicken broth to the skillet, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it's thickened and creamy.
8
Stir in the grated cheddar and parmesan cheese until they're melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
9
In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, crispy bacon, and cooked chicken. Pour the creamy sauce over the top and stir until everything is well combined.
10
Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
11
Bake the pasta in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until it's golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12
Remove the pasta from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to set and the flavors to meld together.
13
Serve the Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor out of your dish.
Don't overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy and unappetizing.
Add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the skillet with the bacon and garlic for added flavor and nutrition.
Use a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella or gouda, to create a unique and delicious flavor profile.
Let the pasta rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and the flavors to meld together.
Experiment with different seasonings, such as dried basil or oregano, to add more depth and complexity to the dish.
Use leftover chicken or bacon to make the dish more convenient and reduce food waste.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes into the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a bland and unflavorful dish.
Not letting the pasta rest before serving, which can cause the sauce to be runny and the flavors to be unbalanced.
Not using enough cheese, which can result in a dry and flavorless dish.
Not cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature, which can result in foodborne illness.
Not seasoning the dish enough, which can result in a bland and unflavorful dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or prosciutto to the dish for added saltiness and flavor.
Use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, to change up the texture and flavor of the dish.
Add some steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.
Use a variety of cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese, to create a unique and delicious flavor profile.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Use leftover chicken or bacon to make the dish more convenient and reduce food waste.
Experiment with different seasonings, such as dried basil or oregano, to add more depth and complexity to the dish.

What to Serve With Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake

This Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a well-rounded and delicious meal.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include:

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled chicken or steakSauteed spinachRoasted potatoes

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. To refrigerate, simply cool the dish to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze, cool the dish to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then bake it in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 20-25 minutes until it's hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the dish, as it can become dry and unappetizing.

Some tips for reheating this dish include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

A short, tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni works well for this recipe, as it provides a nice texture and helps the sauce to cling to the pasta.

Can I use leftover chicken or bacon to make this dish?

Yes, you can use leftover chicken or bacon to make this dish. Simply chop the cooked chicken or bacon into small pieces and add it to the pasta mixture.

How long can I store this dish in the refrigerator or freezer?

You can store this dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I reheat this dish in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat this dish in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as it can become dry and unappetizing.

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

A combination of cheddar and parmesan cheese works well for this recipe, as it provides a rich and creamy sauce.

Can I add other ingredients to this dish to make it more flavorful?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this dish to make it more flavorful. Some ideas include diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, or different seasonings, such as dried basil or oregano.

Is this dish suitable for a crowd?

Yes, this dish is suitable for a crowd, as it makes a large batch of pasta that can be served to multiple people.

Can I make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

The Full Recipe

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