Cozy Chicken And Bacon Pasta Casserole Recipe For Comfort Days

Nothing beats a comforting meal that combines crispy bacon with tender chicken in a hearty chicken and bacon pasta casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each bite delivers a rich, indulgent experience that warms you from the inside out.

Loaded with savory ingredients, this dish turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Cheese melts beautifully throughout the casserole, binding all the delicious elements together.

The combination of chicken and bacon makes this recipe a crowd-pleasing favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Savor every delectable forkful of this irresistible comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 652 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients For Chicken and Bacon Pasta Casserole

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds hearty texture and rich flavor to the casserole, choose fresh, boneless cuts for best results.
• Bacon: Crispy, smoky meat that provides depth and saltiness, select thick-cut for maximum crunch and flavor.

• Milk: Smooth liquid that helps create a silky sauce, whole milk works best for richness.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious texture and creates a velvety sauce, use fresh for optimal smoothness.
• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for the sauce, select unsalted for better control of salt levels.
• Flour: Thickening agent that gives sauce its perfect consistency, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds tangy flavor, extra sharp recommended.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty cheese that enhances overall taste, freshly grated preferred.

• Salt: Enhances all flavors in the dish, use kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground recommended.
• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent garlic flavor without chopping, look for pure spice without additives.
• Onion Powder: Delivers sweet onion essence, choose high-quality brand for best taste.
• Paprika: Adds warm color and mild sweetness, sweet or smoked varieties work well.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken, select extra virgin for best flavor.

Tools To Make Chicken and Bacon Pasta Casserole

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing creamy sauce.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending flour, milk, and creating lump-free sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta.
• Cutting board: For chopping chicken and garnishing with parsley.
• Chef's knife: Used for slicing chicken and parsley.

Cook Chicken and Bacon Pasta Casserole Step-By-Step

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil.

• Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook your pasta in salty water until it’s just shy of fully done, then drain and set aside.

• Sizzle the Chicken

Heat some olive oil in a skillet and cook seasoned chicken until it’s golden and fully cooked through.

• Create a Creamy Sauce Base

In the same pan, melt butter and whisk in flour, creating a smooth foundation for your sauce.

• Build the Luscious Sauce

Slowly pour in milk and cream, stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes wonderfully silky.

• Cheese It Up

Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cheddar, and Parmesan until the sauce is gloriously smooth.

• Combine All the Goodies

Mix the pasta, chicken, and most of the crumbled bacon into the creamy sauce, ensuring everything gets coated.

• Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Transfer the mixture to your prepared dish, sprinkle remaining bacon on top, and bake until it’s bubbling and golden.

• Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and dig into this comforting, cheesy masterpiece while it’s hot.

Flavor Boosting Tips For Pasta Casserole

• Foolproof Chicken and Bacon Pasta Secrets
• Pasta Perfection: Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy texture.
• Bacon Brilliance: Use thick-cut bacon for richer flavor and crisp texture. Reserve some bacon grease to enhance sauce depth.
• Cheese Swap Magic: Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda, monterey jack, or gruyere for unique flavor profiles.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version that maintains creamy casserole essence.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare entire casserole up to baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for 24 hours. Allow 10 extra minutes of baking time when cooking directly from cold.

Best Ways To Serve Pasta Casserole

• Party Pleaser Platter: Serve this creamy casserole at game nights or potlucks where friends gather. The combination of chicken, bacon, and cheesy pasta makes it a crowd-favorite dish everyone will devour.
• Fresh Side Kick: Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy flavors. The fresh greens will cut through the heaviness of the pasta and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Reheat leftover portions for a speedy workday lunch. Pack in microwave-safe containers for an easy meal that stays delicious and satisfying hours after cooking.
• Herb Enhancement: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh pop of color and subtle herbal notes that elevate the entire dish's presentation and flavor profile.

How To Store Your Chicken and Bacon Casserole

• Smart Storage Solutions: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, maintaining freshness for 34 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Package individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, lasting up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm in microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add small splash of milk to restore creamy consistency if sauce seems dry.
• Batch Prep Brilliance: Double the recipe and separate into multiple dishes – one for immediate enjoyment, another for future quick meal. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.

Hearty Chicken And Bacon Pasta Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

This hearty chicken and bacon pasta casserole combines creamy textures with smoky bacon for a comforting meal. Rich layers of cheese, tender chicken, and crisp bacon create a satisfying dinner perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 12 oz (340 g) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and preheat oven to 375F (190C).
2. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, drain completely, and reserve.
3. Protein Searing: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook seasoned chicken until golden and thoroughly done. Remove chicken and crisp bacon in the same skillet, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
4. Sauce Creation: Lower skillet heat and craft a smooth roux by melting butter and whisking in flour. Gradually introduce milk and cream, stirring continuously to develop a velvety consistency.
5. Flavor Infusion: Incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika into the sauce. Melt cheddar and Parmesan cheese until fully integrated and sauce becomes rich and creamy.
6. Casserole Assembly: Fold cooked pasta, chicken, and most bacon pieces into the sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, distributing evenly and topping with remaining bacon fragments.
7. Baking and Finishing: Roast in preheated oven until surface turns golden and edges bubble. Rest for several minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just al dente to prevent mushiness during baking, as it will continue cooking in the creamy sauce.
• Bacon Crispness Strategy: Reserve some bacon for topping to maintain maximum crunch and provide textural contrast in the final dish.
• Sauce Smoothness Technique: Whisk roux continuously and add dairy gradually to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky, professional-quality sauce.
• Protein Flexibility Option: Substitute chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based protein alternatives for dietary adaptability.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 652
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg