Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience! This Crazy Good Casserole is an irresistible, easy-to-make dish perfect for any night of the week. Featuring savory chicken, crispy bacon, tender pasta, and plenty of gooey cheese, it’s a meal everyone will adore. You’ll love how simple it is to bring this crowd-pleaser to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Crazy Good Casserole
- Effortless Weeknight Dinner: This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Hearty & Satisfying: It’s a complete meal that truly fills you up, perfect for growing families.
- Savory Chicken & Crispy Bacon: Enjoy the delightful combination of tender chicken and salty bacon in every bite.
- Creamy, Cheesy Comfort: The pasta soaks up all the rich flavors, blanketed in a dreamy cheese sauce.
- Simple Ingredients, Incredible Results: Basic pantry staples transform into something truly special.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will ask for seconds of this fantastic casserole.
Ingredients
This Crazy Good Casserole relies on a few simple ingredients to create a symphony of flavors. Gather these staples to get started!
- 6 strips bacon
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 (16-ounce) box spiral pasta
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded and divided
Notes & Substitutions
For the bacon, choose thick-cut for extra crunch or regular for quick cooking. If you prefer, substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts, or use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even faster prep. Feel free to swap spiral pasta for elbow macaroni, penne, or shells. Cheddar or a Colby Jack blend can replace Monterey Jack cheese beautifully. You can use cream of mushroom or celery soup if cream of chicken isn’t available. Onion powder can be a great alternative to garlic powder for a different aromatic note.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized gear for this fantastic casserole!
- A 9×13-inch baking pan is essential.
- A large skillet handles the bacon and chicken.
- A large pot is perfect for boiling the pasta.
- Standard measuring cups and spoons will ensure accuracy.
Instructions
Bringing this Crazy Good Casserole to life is straightforward. Just follow these steps for a delicious meal!
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s perfectly crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Crumble it once cooled.
- Cook the chopped chicken pieces in the bacon drippings left in the skillet. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, typically about 5 minutes.
According to the USDA, all poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to destroy foodborne bacteria.
- Season the cooked chicken generously with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
- Prepare the spiral pasta according to package directions, boiling until al dente. Avoid overcooking the pasta.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the large pot.
- Add the cooked chicken, both cans of cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the pot with the pasta. Stir everything well until all ingredients are combined and coated.
- Pour the creamy pasta mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Crumble the crispy bacon and sprinkle it generously over the top of the casserole.
- Top the casserole with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese, ensuring an even layer for a golden crust.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown beautifully, about 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy your incredible casserole!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Crispy Bacon Secrets: Start bacon in a cold pan and cook slowly over medium heat for the crispiest results.
- Prevent Dry Chicken: Don’t overcook the chicken; sear until just cooked through to keep it juicy.
- Perfect Pasta: Boil pasta al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven and prevent your easy casserole from becoming mushy.
- Golden Cheese Crust: For extra browning, place the casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
- Flavor Boosts: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce with the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
- Avoid Soupy Casserole: Ensure pasta is well-drained and don’t add extra liquid beyond the specified ingredients.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This cheesy chicken bacon pasta bake is a complete meal, but these additions make it even better.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Offer crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- A side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus complements the richness perfectly.
Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Incorporate frozen peas, chopped broccoli florets, or sautéed mushrooms with the chicken.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken for a fiery twist.
- Different Meats: Swap chicken for browned ground beef, ground turkey, or even shredded pork.
- Herbaceous Twist: Stir in fresh chopped parsley, chives, or thyme with the cheese mixture.
- Crunchy Topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers, Panko breadcrumbs, or French fried onions with a little melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Leftovers of this Crazy Good Casserole store wonderfully. Place any remaining casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
For longer preservation, allow the casserole to cool completely. Transfer individual portions or the entire casserole (if using a freezer-safe dish) to airtight, freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and serving size.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Total Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
| Sodium | 1100mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 40g |
Crazy Good Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy, then transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
- Cook chopped chicken in the bacon drippings until cooked through (165°F), then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, drain, and return to the pot.
- Add the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of cheese to the pasta, stirring well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, then crumble the bacon and sprinkle it over the top.
- Top the casserole with the remaining Monterrey Jack cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, then serve.
Notes
FAQ
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What kind of pasta works best?
Medium-sized pasta shapes like spirals, penne, or elbow macaroni are ideal as they hold up well during baking and capture the creamy sauce.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Colby Jack, or a blend of Monterey Jack and mozzarella are excellent choices for this delicious casserole.
How to make it gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cream of chicken soup is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are typically fine.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
This Crazy Good Casserole truly lives up to its name, offering an unbeatable combination of flavor, comfort, and simplicity. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a fantastic dish to share with loved ones. We encourage you to try this ultimate cheesy chicken and bacon pasta bake soon. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that will become a regular in your recipe rotation!
