Description
This creamy and cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta, all baked together in a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
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3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
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6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups milk
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
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Slowly whisk in the milk. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
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Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, crumbled bacon, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
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Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
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Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
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You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
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Add cooked vegetables like broccoli or peas for a complete meal.
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Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 105mg