Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole with Spinach and Bacon

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole – Creamy, cheesy, full of flavors and so comforting. This chicken pasta casserole is a perfect heartwarming meal your family will love! It won’t break the bank and it’s easy to customize for specific diets or picky eaters. What not to love about this easy chicken casserole recipe? Don’t miss our tips after the recipe for the best chicken casserole recipe ever! Enjoy!

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Ingredients list for the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole

• 8 oz (220g) rotini pasta
• 1 lb (450g) cooked chicken, shredded
• 3 strips bacon, diced
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 2-3 cups fresh baby spinach, rinsed
• 1/2 small red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped scallion
• 1 small can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream or half and half
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup chicken stock (or 1 small bouillon cube + 1/4 cup water)
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh grated garlic)
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Directions

1. To make the chicken pasta casserole: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Spray a 9×13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions.

2. In a skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or half and half), cream cheese, chicken stock, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth. Add shredded chicken, cooked pasta, spinach, tomato, scallion, red onion, and Parmesan.

4. Transfer to your prepared baking dish. Top with Cheddar and bacon. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle the chicken pasta casserole with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Tips for the chicken pasta casserole recipe

• The chicken pasta casserole can be assembled the day before, cooled completely, covered, and refrigerated overnight. Allow the dish to sit at room temperature before baking then bake at 350ºF (180ºC) for 25 minutes.
• If you want a crisp, crunchy topping, sprinkle your chicken casserole with breadcrumbs, Panko, or crushed pork rind.
• The chicken pasta casserole is easy to reheat the day after. Cover the dish with foil and put it in the oven at 370ºF (190ºC) for 10 – 15 minutes until heated through.
• One alternative is to freeze individual portions of the chicken casserole in freezer containers so you have a comforting dinner for evenings when you don’t feel like cooking from scratch.

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com