Chicken and Bacon Pasta Casserole Recipe

This Chicken and Bacon Pasta Casserole is everything a comfort meal should be—creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and ridiculously simple to throw together. Perfect for those hectic weeknights when all you want is a warm, satisfying dish that pleases everyone at the table. Tender chunks of chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta all wrapped up in a luscious, cheesy sauce… it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a dinnertime hero without breaking a sweat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Prep: The hardest part here is boiling the pasta—seriously. This is a true “dump it and bake it” kind of meal.
• Family Favorite: With crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and loads of melty cheese, this one earns instant approval from kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Got leftovers or random veggies in the fridge? Toss them in! This casserole is super flexible.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully and keeps well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a dinner masterpiece with minimal effort:

• Pasta: Use short-cut pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. These shapes trap all the creamy goodness perfectly.
• Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver here, but leftover grilled or baked chicken works too.
• Bacon: Cooked until crispy, then chopped. It brings that salty, smoky crunch that makes every bite irresistible.
• Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the dish that ooey-gooey texture. Don’t skimp on this!
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as the creamy base for the sauce. Go for low-sodium if you’re watching salt.
• Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness and helps make the sauce extra velvety.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For depth of flavor with zero chopping involved.
• Salt and Pepper: Just enough to bring everything together—taste as you go!
• Green Onions or Parsley (optional): For a pop of color and freshness on top.

Variations

Looking to mix things up a bit? Here’s how you can play with this recipe:

• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
• Add Veggies: Broccoli, peas, spinach, or bell peppers are fantastic tossed into the mix—just blanch or sauté them first.
• Try Different Meats: Swap out the chicken for turkey, ham, or even ground sausage.
• Use a Different Sauce Base: Alfredo sauce or a homemade cheese sauce works if you’re not a fan of canned soup.
• Go Low-Carb: Try using cooked cauliflower florets in place of pasta for a lighter version.

How to Make Chicken and Bacon Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a large baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta just until al dente. Don’t overcook—it’ll continue softening in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Add the Good Stuff

Fold in the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and half the shredded cheese. Then add the pasta and gently mix everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden on top.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley for a touch of freshness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Undercook the Pasta: Go just shy of al dente to avoid mushy noodles after baking.
• Crispy Bacon is Key: Cook the bacon until it’s truly crispy—soggy bacon disappears in the sauce.
• Pre-Shredded Cheese Works, But…: If you can, shred your own cheese for smoother melting and better flavor.
• Make it Creamier: Add a splash of milk if your sauce seems too thick before baking.

How to Serve

This casserole is incredibly satisfying on its own, but you can round out your meal with a few simple additions:

Garnishes:

Top with fresh herbs, a little crushed red pepper, or even some crispy fried onions for texture.

Side Dishes:

Pair with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to balance the richness of the dish.

Meal Upgrade:

Scoop leftovers into a baked potato or serve inside a warm bread bowl for an ultra-indulgent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It holds up beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil or store in a freezer-safe dish. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave for individual servings, or cover and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if going straight from fridge to oven.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can use a homemade white sauce (béchamel) or substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup depending on your flavor preference.

How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Covering it with foil while baking for the first 15 minutes helps retain moisture. If it still seems dry, stir in a splash of milk or broth before baking.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes—and it’s one of the best hacks for saving time! Shred it up and toss it right in.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting, foolproof dinner that the whole family will rave about, this Chicken and Bacon Pasta Casserole is it. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with bold flavors—plus, it comes together in no time. Make it once, and you’ll want to keep it in your weekly dinner rotation forever. Give it a try tonight and see just how satisfying a simple casserole can be!

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