Crazy Good Casserole – Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, look no further than this Crazy Good Casserole. It’s a creamy chicken and bacon pasta bake that combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, gooey melted cheese, and pasta all in one dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 4–5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into medium cubes
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 12 oz (350 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work best)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk + 1 tbsp butter as a lighter option)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz) – can substitute with homemade cream sauce
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano + basil + thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt butter and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Cook until lightly golden and cooked through.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and softened.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- To the same skillet, add cream of mushroom soup and heavy cream.
- Stir well and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Mix in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted into the sauce.
4. Combine Everything
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the creamy chicken mixture.
- Add half of the crumbled bacon.
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Bake
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole
- No Cream of Mushroom? Replace with 1 cup milk, 1 tbsp flour, and sautéed mushrooms.
- Add Veggies – spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers make this dish healthier and more colorful.
- Mix Cheeses – cheddar + mozzarella is classic, but gouda, provolone, or parmesan add extra flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly – refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month. Reheat covered at 325°F until hot.
Nutrition (Approx. per serving – 6 servings)
- Calories: ~580
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 27 g
Why This Recipe Works
- One-dish meal → Protein + carbs + cheese all in one.
- Family-friendly → Kids love the creamy, cheesy texture.
- Customizable → Easy to swap ingredients based on what you have.
- Comfort food at its best → Perfect for cozy dinners or sharing with guests.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Q: What’s the best pasta shape for casseroles?
A: Short, sturdy shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini hold the sauce best.
Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
A: Absolutely – rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe.
Q: How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
A: Don’t overbake, and always cover with foil for the first part of baking.