Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Bacon:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or water with 1 bouillon cube)
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Bacon: Add the chopped turkey bacon and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Season the diced chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the chicken pieces. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
- Add Pasta and Broth: To the same skillet, add the uncooked pasta and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Add the Broccoli: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Cover again and let the broccoli steam while the pasta finishes cooking.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: Push the cooked pasta and broccoli to one side of the skillet and add the butter to the empty space. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir everything together until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
- Add Chicken and Bacon: Return the cooked chicken and turkey bacon to the skillet. Stir to combine and let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes.
- Season to Taste: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to bowls or plates and garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g