Crazy Good Casserole Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting dish that the whole family will love, look no further than the Crazy Good Casserole Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake. This recipe combines tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, creamy soup, and gooey cheese, all mixed with your favorite pasta. It’s an easy meal that comes together quickly and tastes fantastic!
Why Make This Recipe
This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. It has all the flavors and textures that make comfort food so enjoyable. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that requires little cleanup, which is always a bonus! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
How to Make Crazy Good Casserole Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices of turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese (divided)
- 12 oz spiral pasta (rotini or fusilli)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove it from the skillet, crumble it, and set it aside. Reserve the bacon drippings in the pan.
- In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces to the bacon drippings. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
- While the chicken is cooking, cook the spiral pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In the same pot that you used for the pasta, mix the cooked pasta, chicken, both cans of cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir everything to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the crumbled turkey bacon and the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Crazy Good Casserole Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake
This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some steamed veggies for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese for an added touch!
How to Store Crazy Good Casserole Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Crazy Good Casserole Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake
- For added flavor, try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
- If you want to sneak in some veggies, consider adding broccoli or spinach to the mix.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked properly before mixing it into the casserole for the best texture.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by swapping out the turkey bacon for regular bacon or using leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes!
FAQs
1. Can I use different pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like! Rotini or fusilli work well, but feel free to try penne or macaroni.
2. Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly in a freezer-safe container.
3. Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead?
Yes! If you prefer the flavor of cream of mushroom soup, it can be used instead of cream of chicken soup for a different twist on the recipe.
Enjoy your Crazy Good Casserole Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake! It’s sure to become a family favorite.
