Crazy Good Chicken Bacon Pasta (Printable Version)
Creamy baked pasta with chicken, bacon, and melted cheese under a golden crispy topping.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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
→ Vegetables
08 - 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
09 - 1 small onion, finely diced
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Seasonings
11 - 1 tsp salt
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
→ Topping
15 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
16 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
17 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil or butter, then sauté diced onion for 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 - Add cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, thawed peas, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme to the skillet with the aromatics. Stir to combine evenly. Remove from heat.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, softened cream cheese, whole milk, and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until completely smooth and well combined.
06 - Add the drained pasta and chicken mixture to the bowl with the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated and distributed throughout the pasta.
07 - Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula, ensuring the surface is level.
08 - In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter.
09 - Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
10 - Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly for easier serving.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- It transforms odds and ends from your fridge into something that tastes like you spent all day cooking
- The combination of smoky bacon, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta hits every single comfort craving
02 -
- Don't overcook the pasta initially since it will continue baking in the oven
- Room temperature cream cheese blends into the sauce much more smoothly than cold
03 -
- Cook your bacon extra crispy so it stays crunchy in the final dish
- Grate your own cheese for the smoothest melting texture