why make this recipe
This casserole fills the table fast. It is creamy, warm, and has broccoli and bacon for flavor. It uses simple pantry items and cooked chicken, so you can make it on a weeknight. If you like creamy chicken pasta dishes, try the similar creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta for another easy meal.
introduction
This Creamy Broccoli & Bacon Chicken Pasta Casserole mixes cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, bacon, and a creamy sauce. It bakes in one dish. The result is cheesy and comforting. The steps are simple and the dish reheats well.
how to make Creamy Broccoli & Bacon Chicken Pasta Casserole
Follow the simple steps below. Use cooked pasta and cooked chicken to save time. For a different cheese flavor try a recipe like creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta for ideas on cheeses and sauce thickness.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar)
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, crumbled bacon, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
how to serve Creamy Broccoli & Bacon Chicken Pasta Casserole
Serve hot from the oven. Cut into portions and place on plates. Add a small green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. A light squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish.
how to store Creamy Broccoli & Bacon Chicken Pasta Casserole
Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
tips to make Creamy Broccoli & Bacon Chicken Pasta Casserole
- Use day-old cooked pasta or cool pasta under cold water to prevent it from getting mushy.
- Steam broccoli until just tender to keep good texture.
- Swap cooked rotisserie chicken to save time, a good store-bought option is shown in creamy rotisserie chicken pasta.
- Taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper.
variation (if any)
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño.
- Use different cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder melt.
- Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or homemade white sauce for a different flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use raw chicken?
A: It is best to use cooked chicken. If you use raw, cook it first or bake longer until the chicken reaches safe temperature.
Q: Can I skip the bacon?
A: Yes. The dish will still be tasty. You can add toasted breadcrumbs or more cheese for texture.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free milk, dairy-free cheese, and a dairy-free cream soup alternative. The texture will change but it will still work.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave single servings until warmed through.
Conclusion
This casserole makes a quick, comforting meal that families like. For another similar recipe idea and inspiration, see Chicken Broccoli Pasta with Bacon – Julia’s Album.
Print
Creamy Broccoli & Bacon Chicken Pasta Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A creamy and comforting casserole made with pasta, chicken, broccoli, and bacon, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar)
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, crumbled bacon, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño. Use different cheese varieties for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pasta casserole, creamy chicken, broccoli bacon, easy weeknight dinner