Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake

This Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake is a rich, indulgent, and comforting casserole that’s packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy pasta. With gooey melted cheese and bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, it’s easy to make and always satisfies!

Serves: 6-8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts , cut into bite-sized chunks
• 6 strips of quality bacon , cooked and crumbled
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese , divided
• 1 box (16 ounces) dried spiral pasta
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• Non-stick cooking spray , for the baking dish

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the bite-sized chicken chunks. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the chicken over medium heat for 6-8 minutes , or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spiral pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) . Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

1. In the pot with the cooked pasta, add the cooked chicken, both cans of cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded Monterrey Jack cheese . Stir well to combine and evenly coat the pasta.
2. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 6: Add Toppings

1. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the pasta mixture.
2. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterrey Jack cheese .

Step 7: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes , or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot as a main dish. Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

• Add veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Swap cheeses: Use cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend instead of Monterrey Jack for a different twist.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
• Freeze option: Freeze the unbaked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 8):

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Fat: ~22g

Enjoy this Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake as a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful casserole that’s guaranteed to please a crowd. Its creamy texture, savory chicken, and crispy bacon make it a go-to comfort food you’ll want to make again and again!