This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. It’s the kind of hearty, family-friendly casserole that makes everyone ask for seconds. Why? Because it combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melty Monterrey Jack cheese, and tender pasta all in one dish! And what’s even better? It’s easy to make, perfect for weeknights, and guaranteed to please even picky eaters.
What You’ll Need:
- 4–5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 strips of quality bacon – cooked and crumbled
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup – for a creamy, flavorful base
- 2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese – divided
- 1 box (16 oz) spiral pasta – cooked according to package instructions
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder – for seasoning
- Salt and pepper – to taste
How to Make It:
- Start with the bacon:
Cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble and set aside. You’ll use the flavorful drippings in the next step! - Cook the chicken:
In the same pan, cook the chicken pieces in the bacon drippings. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This infuses the chicken with rich, savory flavor. - Boil the pasta:
While the chicken cooks, prepare the pasta in a separate pot according to package directions. Drain and return it to the pot. - Mix the base:
To the cooked pasta, add the chicken, both cans of cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly. - Assemble the casserole:
Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray and pour the pasta mixture into the pan. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top, then finish with the remaining 1 cup of cheese. - Bake to perfection:
Bake at 400ºF for about 20 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden on top.
Why This Recipe Works:
- The bacon drippings add extra depth to the chicken.
- Cream of chicken soup brings rich, creamy texture with minimal effort.
- Monterrey Jack cheese melts beautifully and adds mild, cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- It’s a make-ahead friendly dish—perfect for busy families.
Serve this casserole with a crisp side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table.