Description
Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting American baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken, creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup and sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make casserole blends flavors and textures wonderfully, making it perfect for a hearty family dinner or potluck dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the uncooked pasta and cook until al dente, typically around 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Mix Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth and flavorful sauce base.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the chopped cooked bacon to the sauce mixture. Mix everything together well until evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly for consistent baking.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly on top of the casserole to create a flavorful crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Rest & Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut for cooked chicken.
- Add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms to incorporate vegetables and enhance nutrition.
- Use a low-sodium cream of chicken soup to reduce salt intake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
