Description
This Crazy Good Chicken Pasta Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce, it’s easy to prepare and sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 12 oz pasta of choice (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup or 1 1/2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs or crushed crackers (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for topping, if using bread crumbs)
- 1 cup cooked vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup (or Alfredo sauce), sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce mixture, stirring to coat evenly. If using vegetables, mix them in at this stage.
- Layer and Add Cheese: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Add Topping (Optional): If using bread crumbs or crushed crackers, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole for extra crunch.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for cooked ground turkey, beef, or even shrimp.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with extra veggies like zucchini, broccoli, or mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute a gluten-free thickener for the sauce.
- Extra Creamy: Mix in an additional 1/2 cup of cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: dinner,casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken pasta casserole, creamy chicken bake, easy pasta dinner, cheesy chicken casserole, baked pasta dish