Crazy Good Chicken Pasta Casserole

This, the Best Fried Chicken and Bacon Pasta Casserole, is the perfect hearty dinner! It also gives you a great reason to clean out the fridge because you can add any leftover meat and veggies you like. Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is another great one!

This dish can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving. Everything is good here: spirals in a creamy sauce, chicken bites, crispy bacon, fresh tomato, green onion for brightness and freshness, and a lot of cheese! 

Other great chicken and pasta recipes are Chicken Noodle Casserole, Jerk Chicken Pasta, and Cheesecake Factory Louisianna Chicken Pasta.

Ingredients (with Alternative Suggestions)

• Chicken breasts – boneless and skinless, cut into pieces.
• Bacon – Use thin slices to fry quickly and easily in a pan and then crumble them.
• Cream of chicken soup is the base of the sauce.
• Cheddar cheese – you can use your favorite cheese or a mix of several.
• Dried spiral pasta – you can substitute another type of short pasta.
• Garlic powder – adds great flavor.
• Tomato and green onion – add freshness and brightness.

How To Make Chicken Pasta Casserole?

In a skillet, fry the bacon slices, then crumble or cut them into small pieces. Set aside

Cut all chicken breasts into bites and fry in the same skillet until golden brown. (Add some vegetable oil if needed). Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.

1. Preheat oven to 400F.
   Cook the pasta in salted boiling water, according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
2. Add fried chicken, 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, and chopped tomatoes to the pasta, and stir. Add half of the grated cheese and mix until combined.
   
3. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and pour the entire contents of the pan into it.
4. Sprinkle bacon and leftover cheese on top. Cook for about 20 minutes, until the cheese melts or begins to bubble.
5. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top and serve.
   

What Can I Serve With A Chicken Casserole?

Any vegetables will be an excellent accompaniment to a chicken casserole with cream of chicken soup. You can serve it with  Sauteed Zucchini with Parmesan,  Candied Carrots, or  Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

Make a juicy Healthier Waldorf Salad or bake Homemade Focaccia Bread to serve alongside your casserole!

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes. After placing the casserole in the baking dish, sprinkle it with bacon and wrap it with cling film. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 400 F, sprinkle the casserole with cheese, and bake for 20 minutes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can You Freeze Chicken Pasta Casserole?

Let the cooked casserole cool down, then wrap the baking dish in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Defrost overnight, and to make sure it heats all the way through, place the casserole in the oven while it preheats.

Do You Cook Chicken Before Putting It In Casserole?

Yes, the chicken must be fully cooked before adding to the casserole.

I prefer to fry the pieces in a skillet, but you can boil the chicken breasts and then cut them into pieces.

Can I Use A Different Shape Of Pasta?

You can use any short pasta: Cavatappi, Fusilli, Macaroni, Rigatoni, or Penne.

Storage & Re-heating Instructions:

Shelf life in a refrigerator in an airtight container is no more than 4 days.

You can reheat a large batch of casserole in the oven at 350F. Or you can heat a small portion in a frying pan over low heat by adding 1-2 tablespoons of water and covering it with a lid.

Favorite Chicken Casseroles

• Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole
• Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole With Potatoes