Pasta casserole with bacon and cheddar cheese

Looking for a delicious and easy dinner idea? Try this Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Pasta Casserole recipe! Made with rotini pasta, crispy bacon, creamy cheddar cheese, and a savory cream of mushroom sauce, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
• 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and greasing a 2-quart baking dish, ensuring it’s ready to bake your casserole to perfection.
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of lightly salted water, bring the rotini pasta to a boil and cook it for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, melted butter, grated cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the cooked pasta evenly in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the pasta, ensuring it’s distributed evenly. Pour the cream of mushroom mixture over the pasta and bacon, ensuring it covers everything.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Add the Finishing Touch: Once out of the oven, top the casserole with dollops of sour cream. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sour cream to warm.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle. Serve this delectable Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Pasta Casserole as a hearty main course or side dish, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Pasta Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining savory bacon, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta into one irresistible dish. Whether served as a cozy weeknight meal or as a crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

• Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the rotini pasta for your favorite pasta shape, such as penne, bowtie, or macaroni.

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?

• Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly if baking from chilled.

1. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

• Certainly! Feel free to add diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the casserole.

1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

• Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a lighter alternative to traditional bacon in this recipe. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

1. Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

• Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Simply portion out any leftovers into airtight containers or freezer bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.