Chicken, bacon & mozzarella pasta

There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s tangled with tender chicken, smoky hints of bacon flavor, and rich mozzarella that melts into every bite. This dish wraps you in warmth with its velvety sauce, sun-dried tomato zing, and that irresistible golden finish bubbling from the cheese. Whether it’s a cozy night in or you’re feeding a hungry group, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from one of those magical kitchen moments when I had leftover pasta, some cooked chicken, and a block of mozzarella begging to be used. The smoky twist of bacon adds depth, while sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy punch. I tossed everything together with cream and cheese, then let it all bubble under the broiler until golden and gooey. That first forkful was a game-changer, and it’s been a go-to ever since.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Pasta dishes like this are rooted in Italian-American comfort food traditions. While mozzarella isn’t typically used in traditional Roman pasta recipes, it found its way into the hearts (and ovens) of home cooks seeking melt-in-your-mouth finishes. The blend of creamy sauces and baked cheese is a hallmark of American pasta bakes, bridging comfort and indulgence in one dish.

Why You’ll Love Chicken, bacon & mozzarella pasta

This dish brings more than just flavor to the table. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back for more:

Versatile: You can swap in different pastas or cheese, or go meatless without losing flavor.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and stretches simple ingredients to feed a crowd.

Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 45 minutes and most of it is hands-off.

Customizable: Add mushrooms, spinach, or swap in turkey or sausage to switch it up.

Crowd-Pleasing: With creamy sauce and cheesy top, everyone will be asking for seconds.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it ahead and bake just before serving.

Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day after the flavors settle.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Cooking this pasta just right is all about balance and timing. Here’s how to get it spot-on:

• Cook the pasta al dente so it holds its shape and doesn’t go mushy when baked.
• Render the bacon slowly to get it crispy and flavorful without burning.
• Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed and help it cling to the noodles.
• Broil briefly at the end to get that perfect golden cheese topping.
• Stir the mozzarella in at the end for delicious gooey strings that don’t clump.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before diving in, make sure you’ve got these basics ready:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For cooking chicken, bacon, and building the sauce.

Large Pot: To boil the pasta.

Colander: To drain the pasta efficiently.

Measuring Cups & Spoons: Essential for consistent flavor.

Oven-Safe Baking Dish or Cast Iron Pan: Perfect for finishing the pasta under the broiler.

Ingredients in Chicken, bacon & mozzarella pasta

The magic of this dish lies in how these ingredients blend together into one glorious bite:

1. Penne Pasta: 12 ounces – sturdy shape that holds sauce beautifully.
2. Chicken Thighs: 1 pound, boneless and skinless – juicy and flavorful, better than leaner cuts.
3. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ½ cups – melty, gooey, and gives the dish its signature stretch.
4. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ½ cup, chopped – adds tang and chewiness.
5. Heavy Cream: 1 cup – for that ultra-creamy texture.
6. Grated Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup – sharp, salty, and adds depth.
7. Garlic Cloves: 3, minced – brings the whole dish to life.
8. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – used to cook and carry the flavors.
9. Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon – adds subtle heat.
10. Salt: 1 teaspoon – enhances all the other flavors.
11. Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon – a touch of earthiness to round it all out.

Ingredient Substitutions

Running low on something? No worries.

Chicken Thighs: Chicken tenders or rotisserie chicken.

Penne Pasta: Fusilli, rigatoni, or ziti.

Mozzarella: Provolone or Monterey Jack.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers.

Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or a splash of milk with butter.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These chewy, tangy jewels offer bursts of concentrated tomato flavor and a slight sweetness that balances the creaminess.

Mozzarella Cheese: Known for its perfect melt, it creates those long, cheesy strings that make every bite irresistible.

Instructions for Making Chicken, bacon & mozzarella pasta

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and bring this dish to life. It’s easier than it looks and tastes like a million bucks.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat the oven broiler to high and position the rack in the middle.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese, then return the chicken to the pan. Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Mix in mozzarella cheese gently so it melts into the pasta. Let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to combine.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish if not using a skillet. Top with extra mozzarella and broil for 2 to 4 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Let it cool for a minute or two, then serve hot with extra parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This dish is all about contrasts. The penne holds a creamy, rich sauce that’s balanced with smoky bacon notes and the sharpness of parmesan. Mozzarella adds a stretchy, gooey texture, while sun-dried tomatoes offer chewy bursts of tang. Red pepper flakes wake everything up with a subtle kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here’s how to keep things smooth in the kitchen:

• Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will cook more under the broiler.
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor.
• Let the dish rest a couple of minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.

What to Avoid

A little care goes a long way. Watch out for these:

• Using low-fat cream or cheese, which can separate or lack flavor.
• Skipping the reserved pasta water, which helps bring the sauce together.
• Over-baking under the broiler, which can dry out the pasta.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 550
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prep the entire dish and store it in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers will last 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. To freeze, skip the broiling step and wrap tightly. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and broil just before serving.

How to Serve Chicken, bacon & mozzarella pasta

This pasta shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. A chunk of garlic bread or focaccia makes it a full comfort meal. For something refreshing, serve with sparkling lemonade or a citrus spritzer.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Make those leftovers exciting again:

• Pasta Bake Cups: Scoop into muffin tins, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
• Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with the pasta and bake.
• Soup Starter: Add broth and spinach to turn it into a creamy pasta soup.

Additional Tips

• Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes before serving for a more cohesive texture.
• A splash of lemon juice can brighten the whole dish.
• If making for a crowd, double the batch and use a large casserole dish.

Make It a Showstopper

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil just before serving. Serve in a rustic cast iron skillet or a white ceramic baking dish for visual appeal. Those golden, bubbly cheese pockets will have everyone swooning.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a spoon of chili oil.
• Green Boost: Toss in spinach or kale just before baking.
• Mushroom Magic: Add sautéed mushrooms for earthiness.
• Carb Swap: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
• Dairy-Free: Try coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make this without cheese?

Yes, you can skip the mozzarella and use a dairy-free cream for a lighter version.

Q2: What pasta shape works best?

Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce well.

Q3: Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes. Assemble and freeze before baking, then bake from frozen at 350°F.

Q4: How can I make it spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Q5: Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Just shred and add it at the mixing stage.

Q6: How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Stir in the mozzarella gradually and off the heat to avoid clumping.

Q7: Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli work great here.

Q8: Is this kid-friendly?

Yes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and not too spicy.

Q9: What kind of cream should I use?

Heavy cream is ideal for richness and thickness.

Q10: Can I make it in advance for a party?

Definitely. Assemble ahead, store in the fridge, and bake just before serving.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for the ultimate weeknight comfort food or something satisfying to share at a potluck, this Chicken, bacon & mozzarella pasta promises to deliver. It’s creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor in every forkful. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

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