Here’s a detailed recipe for a Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake, complete with step-by-step instructions, ingredient breakdown, and a helpful FAQ section at the end.
🧀🍗 Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake
A creamy, cheesy, comforting pasta bake loaded with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and topped with golden melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
✅ Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Pasta & Protein:
- 300g (10 oz) pasta (penne or fusilli work best)
- 2 chicken breasts (cooked and shredded or diced)
- 6 slices of bacon (streaky or back bacon), chopped
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (500ml) milk (whole milk or semi-skimmed)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese:
- 1 cup (100g) grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (25g) Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili flakes (for a kick)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas or spinach (for a veggie boost)
Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for crunch)
- Extra cheese for the top (a mix of cheddar and mozzarella works well)
🔪 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until just al dente (firm to the bite) — it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon
- In a large pan, fry the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove and set aside on a paper towel. Leave a bit of the bacon fat in the pan (about 1 tbsp) for flavor.
3. Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add the milk and chicken stock, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in half the cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan) and mix until melted and creamy.
4. Assemble the Bake
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- In a large mixing bowl or baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and cheese sauce. Add peas or spinach now if using.
- Mix well to coat everything in the sauce.
5. Top and Bake
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chili flakes if desired.
❓ FAQs – Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready (add 5–10 extra minutes if baking from cold).
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes. Assemble and freeze before baking. Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: A mix of cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for stretchiness, and Parmesan for richness gives the best result. You can use other melty cheeses too, like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
Q: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely. It saves time and adds extra flavor.
Q: How do I make it healthier?
A: Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
Would you like a printable recipe card, nutritional info, or vegetarian alternative?