Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli florets, and crumbled bacon. Mix well to coat everything with the sauce.
- In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked penne pasta in an even layer.
- Pour half of the chicken and broccoli Alfredo mixture over the pasta.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, Alfredo mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Enjoy the delicious Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake with Bacon! It’s a comforting and flavorful soul food dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.