Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake

Here’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing 🧀 Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake—easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal.

Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 300 g pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
• Optional: ½ cup peas or spinach for color

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   • Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the sauce
   • In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
   • Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
   • Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
   • Add cheddar, half the mozzarella, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted.
3. Combine
   • Add chicken, bacon, cooked pasta, and optional veggies to the sauce.
   • Mix well.
4. Bake
   • Transfer to a greased baking dish.
   • Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
   • Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
5. Serve
   • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked bacon for extra flavor
• Swap cream for milk if you want it extra rich
• Add mushrooms or broccoli for more veggies
• Finish with chopped parsley or chives

If you’d like, I can also share a one-pan version, an air-fryer method, or a lighter healthier twist on this bake.