Crazy Good Casserole lives up to its name, it’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and absolutely irresistible. This dish combines tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family dinners, this casserole is hearty enough to feed a crowd yet simple enough to whip together with pantry staples. If you’re craving a dinner that guarantees clean plates and happy faces, this Crazy Good Casserole is the answer.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and sauce mixture.
- Stir in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top, followed by remaining cheese.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms.
- Ranch Twist: Replace sour cream with ranch dressing for a tangy kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower florets instead of pasta.
Cooking Notes
- Rotisserie chicken makes this dish quick and easy.
- Crisp bacon separately for best texture, it stays crunchy when added on top.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
- Dish thickens as it cools, perfect for next-day leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls.
- Add a simple side salad to balance the richness.
- Serve with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- Cook pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
- Don’t skip the sour cream, it keeps the casserole creamy.
- Make ahead: Assemble casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze baked casserole up to 2 months; thaw and reheat covered.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 34g
- Sodium: 780mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I use different pasta shapes?
- Yes, penne, rigatoni, or shells all work well.
Q2: Can I make Crazy Good Casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
Q3: Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
- Absolutely, it’s a great way to use Thanksgiving leftovers.
Q4: Can I add vegetables?
- Yes, broccoli, peas, or spinach make great additions.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
- Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Crazy Good Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, bacon-loaded comfort food classic that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners. With pasta, chicken, bacon, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s hearty, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table. Make it once, and it will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.