Description
A rich and creamy Cheesy Bacon Chicken Casserole packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy pasta. The perfect comfort food for family dinners or potlucks!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or preferred type)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, add olive oil and cook diced chicken breast until golden brown. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and onions until fragrant. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted. Mix in the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked pasta and the creamy chicken mixture. Stir to distribute evenly.
- Bake: Sprinkle extra cheese on top and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, let it cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with gouda, parmesan, or pepper jack cheese for a unique flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: casserole, dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy chicken casserole, bacon pasta bake, comfort food recipe, creamy chicken bake, easy family dinner