Cheesy Chicken Turkey Bacon Pasta

isla Rose
Pasta shrimp 🍤

When it comes to wholesome and indulgent home-cooked meals, few dishes can rival the comfort and satisfaction of Cheesy Chicken Turkey Bacon Pasta. Combining tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and rich, creamy cheese sauce, this pasta recipe brings together everything needed for a satisfying dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weekday evening or preparing a casual weekend meal, this versatile dish fits the bill perfectly.

Chicken pasta mix sauce 🐔

In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, preparation method, variations, and tips to help you master this British kitchen favourite while ensuring it’s aligned with all SEO aspects for online search visibility.

Why Choose Cheesy Chicken Turkey Bacon Pasta?

Cheesy Chicken Turkey Bacon Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and family-friendly. The combination of lean protein from the chicken and turkey bacon, along with the indulgent cheese sauce, makes it a complete and hearty meal.

It’s perfect for:

  • Midweek dinners
  • Meal prepping
  • Entertaining guests
  • Leftover transformations

This recipe also caters well to a UK audience by incorporating widely available British ingredients and offering flexible preparation methods for both conventional hobs and fan ovens.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

Proteins:

  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 6 rashers of turkey bacon, chopped

Pasta:

  • 300g penne or fusilli pasta (or any preferred variety)
Cheesy Chicken Turkey Bacon Pasta

Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons plain flour
  • 400ml semi-skimmed milk
  • 150ml double cream
  • 200g mature cheddar cheese, grated
  • 50g parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic granules
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Garnish (optional):

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra grated cheese for topping
  • Crushed red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Preparation

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to packet instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 100ml of pasta water.

Prepare the Proteins

In a large frying pan, cook the diced chicken in a little olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Using the same pan, fry the turkey bacon pieces until crispy. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stir to combine, and set aside.

Cheesy Chicken Turkey Pasta

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, then add the double cream. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Add the grated cheddar and parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic granules, and paprika.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and turkey bacon to the sauce. Mix well, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Bake (Optional)

For extra texture, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Top with extra cheese and bake at 180°C (fan) for 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. Here are some popular variations:

  • Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of chilli flakes to the cheese sauce.
  • Vegetable Boost: Stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and colour.
  • Low-Fat Version: Use reduced-fat cheese and substitute cream with Greek yoghurt or low-fat crème fraîche.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Choose gluten-free pasta and flour to make the dish coeliac-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

Pair Cheesy Chicken Turkey Bacon Pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or focaccia also makes an excellent side for soaking up the creamy sauce.

This dish can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot throughout.

Chicken Turkey Pasta

Cooking Tips for Best Results

  1. Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect sauce texture. Freshly grated cheese melts better.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta (al dente) holds its shape better when mixed into hot sauces.
  3. Use High-Quality Turkey Bacon: Choose lean, smoky turkey bacon from your local butcher or trusted UK supermarket for the best flavour.

Nutritional Insight

Though indulgent, this dish can still be balanced. Lean turkey bacon is lower in fat than traditional pork, and the inclusion of dairy offers a good calcium source. To keep it lighter, focus on portion control and serve with fibre-rich vegetables.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Chicken Turkey Bacon Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that combines indulgence and simplicity. It’s a testament to how accessible comfort food can be without compromising on flavour or nutrition. With its creamy sauce, succulent chicken, and savoury turkey bacon, it promises to be a regular feature in your meal rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, guests, or simply preparing a hearty meal for yourself, this recipe ensures satisfaction in every bite. Save it, share it, and make it your own by trying out different cheeses or additional ingredients to suit your personal preferences.