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Loaded Bacon Chicken Pasta Bake

Nettie
Loaded Bacon Chicken Pasta Bake is an easy one-pan dinner made with uncooked cavatappi pasta, chicken thighs, cream cheese, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and chicken broth. This creamy baked pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 487 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cavatappi pasta uncooked
  • 1 pound chicken thighs boneless skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 8 ounce cream cheese
  • 8 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Sliced green onions or fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Add the uncooked cavatappi pasta to the prepared baking dish.
  • Scatter the diced chicken thighs evenly over the pasta.
  • Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika over the chicken and pasta.
  • Pour the chicken broth evenly over everything in the baking dish.
  • Place the block of cream cheese in the center of the dish.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Carefully remove the foil. Stir the cream cheese into the hot pasta, chicken, and broth until a creamy sauce forms.
  • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and about ¾ of the crumbled bacon.
  • If the pasta needs more time, cover the dish again and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions or parsley, then serve hot.

Notes

When it comes to the nutrition information provided for recipes, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s just an estimate. The actual nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Be mindful that any nutritional information provided is intended as a general guideline rather than exact values.

Notes

Make sure the baking dish is covered tightly so the pasta can cook properly in the broth. If the pasta looks a little thick after baking, stir in a small splash of warm chicken broth before serving.
For extra flavor, add ranch seasoning, broccoli, jalapeños, or a little Parmesan cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to keep the pasta creamy.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 487kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 25gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 1202mgPotassium: 331mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 346IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 155mgIron: 1mg
Keyword chicken bacon pasta bake, easy chicken casserole, loaded bacon chicken pasta bake, one pot meal
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