There’s something truly magical about a one-pan meal that delivers big flavors with minimal effort! This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Broccoli is rich, comforting, and packed with textures—from tender chicken to crispy bacon, all enveloped in a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. And the best part? You can have it on the table in just 30 minutes!
If you’re always on the lookout for quick and easy dinners that don’t skimp on taste, this recipe is for you. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into a creamy, cheesy dish that even picky eaters will love.
So, let’s dive into this flavor-packed pasta dish that’s guaranteed to become a new weeknight favorite!
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-pan convenience – Fewer dishes, more flavor!
✔ Rich and creamy – The garlic Parmesan sauce is absolutely irresistible.
✔ Balanced and hearty – You get protein, veggies, and carbs all in one bowl.
✔ Customizable – Swap out ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
✔ Family-friendly – A crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
🧀 What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine this: tender, juicy chicken bites, crispy, smoky bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta, all drenched in a silky, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. The broccoli adds a fresh, slightly crisp contrast, while a touch of red pepper flakes gives it just the right amount of heat (if you choose to use them). Every bite is rich, savory, and comforting—like a warm hug in a bowl!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this creamy, dreamy pasta:
2 chicken breasts, diced (or substitute with boneless thighs for extra juiciness)
4 slices bacon, chopped (for that smoky, crispy goodness)
3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic is key!)
1 cup heavy cream (for the creamy base)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a rich, salty depth)
2 cups broccoli florets (for color, crunch, and nutrients)
8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder (enhances the garlicky goodness)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) (for a hint of spice)
🔪 Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or pan
Pot for boiling pasta
Cutting board and knife
Wooden spoon or spatula
Strainer
🛠️ Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is super flexible! Here are some swaps and add-ins to customize it:
✅ Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
✅ Use turkey bacon if you prefer a lighter option.
✅ Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream for a lighter sauce.
✅ Try a different cheese like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a twist.
✅ Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor.
🍳 How to Make One-Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Bacon Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy (about 5 minutes).
Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside on a paper towel.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In the same pan, add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes).
Remove and set aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into a creamy sauce (about 3-5 minutes).
Step 4: Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions.
In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch them.
Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the pasta and broccoli to the pan with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
Return the chicken and bacon to the pan, mixing well.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Dish up the pasta immediately while warm.
Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy bite!
🍽️ What to Serve With This Pasta
This dish is already a complete meal, but if you want some extras, here are great pairings:
🥖 Garlic bread – Because more garlic is always a good idea!
🥗 Side salad – A fresh Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
🍷 White wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully.
🔥 Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
✔ Use fresh Parmesan cheese – Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
✔ Don’t overcook the broccoli – It should stay vibrant and slightly crisp.
✔ Reserve some pasta water – If the sauce gets too thick, a splash of pasta water will loosen it up.
✔ Cook the pasta al dente – So it absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.
🏆 Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations you can try:
Low-Carb/Keto Version
Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to cut down on carbs.
Use extra broccoli or add mushrooms to bulk it up without the pasta.
Use heavy cream and more Parmesan to keep it keto-friendly.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pasta (chickpea or lentil pasta works great!).
Double-check your Parmesan cheese to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Extra Protein Boost
Add sliced sausage or shrimp for more protein.
Mix in white beans or chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost.
Veggie-Packed Version
Throw in bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus for more color and nutrients.
Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh to make it vegetarian-friendly.
🍷 Best Wine Pairings
Pairing wine with pasta? Yes, please! Here are some great options:
🥂 For a white wine pairing: Try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the creamy sauce.
🍷 For a red wine pairing: A light Pinot Noir or Chianti works well without overpowering the dish.
🍾 Prefer bubbles? A glass of Prosecco adds a fun and refreshing contrast to the richness!
🛍️ How to Meal Prep This Recipe
This pasta dish is great for meal prep! Here’s how to make it ahead:
✔ Cook the chicken and bacon ahead of time and store them separately.
✔ Make the sauce and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Cook the pasta and broccoli in advance, but slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t get mushy when reheated.
✔ When ready to eat, reheat everything in a pan with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
💡 Pro Tip: Store everything separately to prevent the pasta from absorbing all the sauce while sitting in the fridge.
📌 Fun Serving Ideas
Want to make this dish even more exciting? Try serving it in different ways!
🍞 Stuffed in a bread bowl – Hollow out a crusty loaf and fill it with this creamy pasta.
🥓 With crispy bacon crumbles on top – Adds extra crunch and smokiness!
🌿 Garnish with fresh herbs – A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley takes it up a notch.
🧄 Drizzle with garlic butter – Because there’s no such thing as too much garlic!
🥶 How to Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, bowtie, or rigatoni all work well.
How do I make it less rich?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and bacon in advance and reheat everything with the sauce when ready to serve.
Is this spicy?
Not by default, but adding red pepper flakes will give it a little heat!
🍲 Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Broccoli is the perfect comfort meal—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor! It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for a weekend dinner.
If you love easy, one-pan meals, give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out! Leave a review or share a photo on Pinterest—I’d love to see your creations!
Want more creamy pasta recipes? Try these next:
🍝 Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
🧀 Four-Cheese Garlic Alfredo Pasta
🥦 Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Skillet
Now, go grab your pan and get cooking! 😍🍽️
