Description
This Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining crispy bacon, tender chicken, creamy soup, spiral pasta, and melted Monterrey Jack cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole bakes to golden perfection with a cheesy, savory topping that delivers rich flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 6 strips bacon
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 1 (16-ounce) box spiral pasta
Dairy and Cream
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded and divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Drain Bacon: Transfer the cooked bacon onto a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Cook Chicken: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, cook the chopped chicken pieces until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 5 minutes.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to evenly coat the meat with seasoning.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the spiral pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and return to the pot.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded Monterrey Jack cheese to the pasta. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Bacon Topping: Crumble the drained bacon over the top of the pasta mixture in the baking dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterrey Jack cheese over the bacon layer.
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the casserole warm for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Use fresh bacon for best flavor; turkey bacon can be substituted for a leaner option.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to 165°F for food safety.
- You can swap Monterrey Jack cheese with Mozzarella or Cheddar if preferred.
- For added vegetables, consider stirring in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach before baking.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if cold from the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
