Description
A comforting and creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Casserole loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness—perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Swap in turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg