Dinner

Crazy Good Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

ByLana Polati December 12, 2025December 12, 2025

Introduction

This Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish loaded with chicken, bacon, and pasta. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, it combines creamy flavors with a satisfying crunch. Ready in under an hour, it’s sure to become a favorite!

A white baking dish filled with a creamy baked casserole featuring a golden brown crust on top. The dish has visible layers of pasta shells coated in a rich cheese sauce, sprinkled generously with crispy, dark red bacon bits and finely chopped green herbs. The surface is textured with melted cheese that has hints of browning where it bubbled in the oven, giving a slightly crunchy look. The casserole looks warm and hearty, with bits of cheese and bacon evenly spread across the top layer, resting on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken
12 oz rotini pasta
6 slices bacon
2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella and cheddar blend)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the pasta in salted water until just under al dente. Drain well.
Step 3: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
Step 4: In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Add pasta, chicken, half of the bacon, and half of the cheese to the bowl. Mix thoroughly.
Step 6: Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 7: Top with the remaining cheese and bacon.
Step 8: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 9: Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut and extra flavor.
Substitute bacon with turkey bacon or smoked sausage for a different taste.
Add vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Mix different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra meltiness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For longer storage, freeze before baking and bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

How to Serve

In this white rectangular dish, there is a baked casserole with three visible layers: the bottom layer has soft cauliflower pieces in pale white and light yellow, the middle layer is melted creamy cheese in white with some stringy parts, and the top layer is crispy golden brown cheese mixed with small dark red bacon bits scattered evenly and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The casserole surface has an uneven texture with browned, bubbly cheese. The dish sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells works well in this casserole. Just adjust cooking time to keep pasta slightly under al dente.

How can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows flavors to meld and saves time on the day of serving.