When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to a creamy chicken bacon pasta bake. This classic dish is the perfect combination of creamy, savory flavors and hearty pasta. Whether you're looking for an easy dinner for a weeknight meal or a show-stopping main course for a dinner party, this dish is sure to please.
The creamy sauce for this recipe is made with cream cheese and shredded cheese, giving it a rich and decadent flavor. To add a bit of crunch and contrast, bacon is added to the mix. The bacon also adds a salty, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. The addition of vegetables, such as mushrooms and onions, adds color and texture to the dish while also adding a bit of healthiness.
The star of this dish is the pasta. Any type of pasta will work, but a long, thin variety, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine, works best. The pasta is cooked until al dente and then tossed in the sauce before baking. This ensures that the pasta is perfectly cooked and coated in the creamy sauce.
This dish is simple to make and can be made ahead of time. To make ahead of time, simply assemble the dish and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. When you're ready, simply bake until hot and bubbly. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and substitute vegan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of pasta
- 6 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside.
- Add the onion and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cream cheese, shredded cheese, and chicken stock to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the cooked bacon and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I make this dish vegetarian?
A: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and substitute vegan cheese.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dish can easily be made ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. When you're ready, simply bake until hot and bubbly.
Q: What type of pasta should I use?
A: Any type of pasta will work, but a long, thin variety, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine, works best.
Q: How do I know when the dish is done?
A: The dish is done when the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Q: What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
A: You can add any vegetables you like to this dish. Some good options include broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.
