Quick and Easy Chicken Bacon Carbonara Pasta Bake

Looking for a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat? This Creamy Chicken & Bacon Pasta Bake hits all the right notes with its rich flavors, crispy bacon, and tender chicken.

It's an easy recipe that brings together pantry staples and turns them into something truly satisfying. The best part? It comes together quickly with minimal prep, and the whole family will love it. Ready to indulge? Let’s get cooking!

Yield: Serves 3-4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Photo byGLP

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded or diced (use leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken)
• 6 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or macaroni)
• 9 ounces bacon (or pancetta), diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups heavy cream (or sub with half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or your favorite melty cheese blend)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Toss in the chicken and cook for another few minutes until golden. Remove both from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the pasta and water. Bring it to a boil and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is just shy of al dente. Drain any excess water.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas, combining everything thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Add the cooked chicken and bacon back into the skillet, mixing everything together. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Optional: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, or leave it in the skillet if it’s oven-safe.
7. Sprinkle the top with the shredded mozzarella. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
8. Let the pasta bake rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Substitutions:

• Chicken: Swap with turkey or sausage for a different twist.
• Pasta: Use any shape you like – rigatoni, ziti, or shells all work well.
• Bacon: Pancetta or even turkey bacon makes a great alternative.
• Peas: Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms can easily be added instead of or along with peas.
• Cream: For a lighter option, substitute with whole milk or half-and-half.

Storage:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

https://12tomatoes.com/chicken-carbonara-pasta-bake/