Easy Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Casserole Recipe

Have you ever craved a hearty chicken and bacon pasta casserole that feels like a warm hug?

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this delightful dish that combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy pasta.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the rich, melted layers that bind everything together.

Each forkful promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

The magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinarily satisfying.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to bookmark this comforting classic that’s sure to become a repeat request at your dinner table.

Why Chicken And Bacon Pasta Casserole Stands Out

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This chicken and bacon pasta casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something delicious but don't have hours to cook.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Feast: Packed with cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and crispy bacon, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal meal that satisfies everyone around the table.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe allows simple modifications like swapping cheeses, adding vegetables, or using different protein options, giving home cooks flexibility to match their taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• One-Pan Wonder: By using the same skillet for multiple steps and creating a complete meal in a single baking dish, this recipe minimizes kitchen cleanup and saves precious time after a long day.

What Goes Into Chicken And Bacon Pasta Casserole

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substantial texture and flavor to the casserole.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that provides a smoky, salty punch and delightful crunch.

• Pasta: Hearty foundation of the dish that absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Milk, Cream: Smooth base for creating a rich and velvety sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheeses that melt into a luxurious sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that add depth without using fresh ingredients.
• Paprika: Warm spice with subtle smokiness that complements the bacon.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright garnish and color contrast.

• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking oil for sautéing chicken with a mild flavor.
• Butter: Rich fat for creating a smooth roux and adding richness.
• Flour: Thickening agent for creating a smooth, consistent sauce.

How To Prepare Chicken And Bacon Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Toss in a handful of salt and drop in your pasta. Cook until it’s just shy of fully done – you want that perfect al dente texture. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat up a large skillet with olive oil. Sprinkle your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Toss them into the hot pan and cook until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest.

Step 4: Create the Magical Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter until it’s bubbling. Sprinkle in flour and whisk like a pro for about a minute. This creates a roux that’ll make your sauce super smooth.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Base

• Milk
• Heavy cream

Whisk continuously as the mixture begins to simmer. Let it bubble gently for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken up.

Step 6: Cheese it Up

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan

Whisk until the sauce is silky smooth and all cheeses have melted completely.

Step 7: Combine the Goodness

• Cooked pasta
• Chicken pieces
• Most of the crumbled bacon

Ensure everything gets a luxurious coat of the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining bacon bits on top for extra crunch.

Step 9: Final Bake

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden-brown top that’ll make mouths water.

Step 10: Serve and Devour

Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Chicken And Bacon Pasta Casserole Cooking Tips

• Boost Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect bite every time.
• Maximize Bacon Flavor: Crisp bacon separately and reserve some for topping to add extra crunch and intense smoky taste to the casserole.
• Create Creamy Perfection: Whisk sauce slowly and steadily to prevent lumps, achieving a silky smooth consistency that coats every pasta piece.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based chicken alternatives for versatile meal preparation.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to make the dish keto-friendly and lower in calories.

Best Way To Store Chicken And Bacon Pasta Casserole

• Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness.
• Cool the casserole completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire dish in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Avoid freezing this creamy pasta casserole, as the sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed.
• For best texture and flavor, consume within the recommended refrigeration time.

Foods That Go Well With Chicken And Bacon Pasta Casserole

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair this creamy, rich chicken pasta with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, acidic wines cut through the heaviness of the cheese and bacon, refreshing your palate with each bite.
• Brighten with Fresh Green Salad: Serve alongside a zesty mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The salad's crispness and acidity will balance the casserole's richness, creating a perfect meal contrast.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus as a side dish. Their slightly charred, earthy flavors will enhance the smoky bacon and complement the creamy pasta texture.
• Cool Down with Chilled Cucumber Slaw: Prepare a light cucumber slaw with a hint of dill. Its cool, crunchy texture and fresh taste will provide a delightful counterpoint to the warm, hearty casserole.

Fun Ways To Adjust Chicken And Bacon Pasta Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace paprika with chili powder and add diced green chilies. Sprinkle pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Casserole: Swap chicken with grilled Mediterranean-seasoned chicken. Add sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh basil. Replace bacon with crispy pancetta.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Bake: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic before adding to the sauce. Use a blend of cremini and shiitake mushrooms for depth. Incorporate fresh thyme and substitute half the milk with white wine.
• Protein-Packed Green Goddess Version: Mix in steamed broccoli florets and spinach. Top with toasted pine nuts. Use Greek yogurt to boost protein content and create a lighter sauce.

FAQ About Chicken And Bacon Pasta Casserole

• What makes this chicken and bacon pasta casserole special?

This dish combines creamy, cheesy sauce with perfectly seasoned chicken and crispy bacon, creating a comforting and indulgent meal that’s packed with flavor and protein.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan work great, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella, monterey jack, or gruyere to customize the flavor profile.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Try using whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt instead of cream, reducing the cheese quantity, or adding extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost nutritional value.

Chicken And Bacon Pasta Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and bacon pasta casserole brings comfort straight from home kitchens, blending rich flavors into one irresistible dish. Creamy cheese and crispy bacon create a perfect harmony that beckons you to savor each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work well)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasoning and Cheese Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Boil pasta in generously salted water until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Season chicken pieces with robust herbs and spices, then sear until golden brown and fully cooked through, ensuring no pink remains.
4. Crisp bacon in the same skillet until it reaches a perfect crackly texture, then remove and roughly chop into rustic pieces.
5. Reduce skillet heat and create a velvety roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until it forms a smooth, pale golden mixture.
6. Gradually incorporate milk and cream, stirring continuously to develop a luxurious, silky sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
7. Enhance the sauce with aromatic garlic powder, subtle onion powder, and a hint of paprika, then fold in sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan until completely integrated.
8. Gently combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and most of the bacon pieces into the creamy sauce, ensuring every morsel is lavishly coated.
9. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and sprinkling the remaining bacon fragments across the top for added crunch.
10. Roast in a preheated oven at 375F (190C) until the surface turns golden and the edges bubble with appetizing intensity.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Customize pasta thickness by choosing different shapes like penne, rotini, or shells for varied textures and sauce absorption.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when making the creamy sauce.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium cheese and limiting additional salt during chicken seasoning.
• Enhance meal prep by preparing chicken and bacon ahead of time, reducing overall cooking time and making weeknight dinners easier.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 780
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg