Short Description
This Crazy Good Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! It combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness into one easy-to-make dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. This casserole is guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
- 12 oz spiral pasta (rotini or fusilli)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove from the skillet, crumble it, and set aside. Reserve the bacon drippings – they add amazing flavor!
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces to the bacon drippings. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the spiral pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 5: In the same pot you used to cook the pasta, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, both cans of cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the crumbled bacon and the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Step 7: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 8: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s also super customizable, so you can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible – the creamy sauce, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese is a match made in heaven! Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. A simple green salad with vinaigrette is a great choice.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks complement the casserole perfectly.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add a healthy touch.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken while cooking.
- Feel free to add vegetables to the casserole! Peas, broccoli florets, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers would all be delicious additions. Add them to the pot along with the soup and cheese.
- Experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, or smoked Gouda would all be great alternatives to Monterey Jack.
- If you’re short on time, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked turkey instead of cooking the chicken breasts.
- To prevent the pasta from sticking together, toss it with a little bit of olive oil after draining.
- If you want a crispier topping, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories are estimated and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion
The Crazy Good Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Its simple preparation, customizable ingredients, and delicious flavor make it a winner for any occasion. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal!
Questions and Answers about the Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Any short pasta shape will work well in this casserole. Penne, elbow macaroni, or bow tie pasta are all great substitutes for spiral pasta.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Yes, definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the casserole. Peas, broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers are all excellent choices.
Q4: I don’t have cream of chicken soup. Can I use something else?
A: You can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup if you don’t have cream of chicken soup. You can also make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth.
Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
