Crazy Good Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

This Crazy Good Chicken Pasta Casserole is the perfect dinner for busy families, combining creamy chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese into one deliciously comforting dish. With a base of cream of chicken soup and tender chicken breasts, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Pasta, seasoned with garlic powder and topped with green onions, adds flavor and texture, while the dish bakes to perfection in just 20 minutes.

Whether you’re looking for an effortless dinner idea or a meal the whole family will love, this cheesy chicken pasta casserole delivers. Quick, flavorful, and packed with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and hearty chicken, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-size pieces
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 (16-ounce) box dried spiral pasta
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large Roma tomato, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, remove from the pan, crumble, and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In the same skillet, cook the chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, until fully cooked through.
3. Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Cook the pasta: Boil the spiral pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
5. Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, chopped Roma tomato, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the pasta. Stir to combine until everything is evenly mixed.
6. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with crumbled bacon and the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and serve hot.

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Tips:

• For extra creaminess: Add a splash of milk or heavy cream to the mixture before baking.
• Make ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake when ready.
• Customize with veggies: Add steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach to the casserole for added nutrition and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Cheese: Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites.
• Protein: Substitute chicken with cooked ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even sausage for a different twist.
• Creamy base: Use cream of mushroom soup or a combination of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup for variation.

FAQs:

• Can I use different pasta? Yes, any short pasta like penne or elbows will work well in this casserole.
• Can I freeze this casserole? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this casserole with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, to complement the creamy flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Crazy Good Chicken Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It combines tender chicken, creamy soup, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness all in one dish. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a special gathering, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!