Crazy Good Casserole (Printable)

Creamy chicken and bacon pasta bake with cheddar cheese and golden buttery topping.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
02 - 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

→ Pasta

03 - 12 oz penne or rotini pasta

→ Dairy

04 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
05 - 1 cup sour cream
06 - 1 cup whole milk
07 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
08 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

→ Vegetables

09 - 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
10 - 1 small onion, finely diced
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Seasonings

12 - 1 tsp salt
13 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
14 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme

→ Topping

16 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
17 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion in a splash of oil or butter for 3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, thawed peas, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Remove from heat.
05 - In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, softened cream cheese, whole milk, and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and well combined.
06 - Add the drained pasta and chicken mixture to the bowl with the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated and combined.
07 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly into a uniform layer.
08 - In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
09 - Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
10 - Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier scooping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The creamy sauce comes together in minutes and clings perfectly to every piece of pasta
  • Bacon and chicken create that smoky savory combo that makes everyone go back for seconds
  • The golden panko topping adds the most satisfying crunch against all that creamy goodness
02 -
  • Do not overcook the pasta before baking or it will turn mushy in the oven
  • Let your cream cheese soften completely or you will end up with lumps in your sauce
  • The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling vigorously not just when the top looks brown
03 -
  • Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre shredded which contains anti caking agents
  • Room temperature ingredients blend together more smoothly creating a velvety sauce

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