Imagine the comforting aroma of sizzling bacon blending with the savory richness of roasted chicken. This ultimate Chicken and Bacon Casserole is the picture of creamy, cheesy casserole that warms your heart and delights your taste buds.
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Chicken and Bacon Casserole
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Chicken and Bacon Casserole
Ingredients
- 250 g ½ pound penne pasta, half-cooked
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup full-fat cream
- 200 g 7 oz cream cheese
- 6 medium roasted chicken thighs chopped
- 1 ½ cup cheese shredded
- ⅔ cup pasta water
- 2 tablespoon ranch seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190C/375F.
- Brown bacon pieces over medium heat, transfer brown bits onto a plate, reserving any fat left.6 slices bacon
- Use bacon grease to cook garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in cream, whisk in cream cheese and ½ cup of shredded cheese. Season with ranch seasoning, adjust salt and pepper to taste. Bring sauce to a boil and cook until thickens, remove from heat.2 garlic cloves, 1 cup full-fat cream, 200 g 7 oz cream cheese, 1 ½ cup cheese, 2 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- Mix pasta with cream sauce, pasta water, bacon and chicken. Transfer into a baking pan, top with remaining shredded cheese.250 g ½ pound penne pasta, half-cooked, ⅔ cup pasta water, 6 medium roasted chicken thighs
- Bake for 18-20 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 250 g (½ pound) penne pasta, half-cooked
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup full-fat cream
- 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese
- 6 medium roasted chicken thighs, chopped
- 1 ½ cup cheese, shredded
- ⅔ cup pasta water
- 2 tablespoon ranch seasoning
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 190C/375F.
Brown bacon pieces over medium heat, transfer brown bits onto a plate, reserving any fat left.
Use bacon grease to cook garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in cream, whisk in cream cheese and ½ cup of shredded cheese. Season with ranch seasoning, adjust salt and pepper to taste. Bring sauce to a boil and cook until thickens, remove from heat.
Mix pasta with cream sauce, pasta water, bacon and chicken. Transfer into a baking pan, top with remaining shredded cheese.
Bake for 18-20 minutes.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
Pairing your Chicken and Bacon Casserole with the right sides can elevate the entire meal. Consider serving it with a fresh garden salad. The crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and refreshing cucumbers provide a delightful contrast to the rich, creamy casserole. A light vinaigrette dressing will add a tangy note that balances the savory flavors.
Another great option is garlic bread. The crunchy exterior and soft, buttery interior make it a perfect companion to soak up the creamy sauce. You can even sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
For a healthier side, steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus work wonderfully. They add a pop of color and a nutritious element to your meal, making it well-rounded and satisfying.
Drinks to Complement
When it comes to beverages, a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this casserole. Its acidity cuts through the richness of the dish, offering a refreshing palate cleanser. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon juice can be just as delightful.
Dessert Ideas
Finish off your meal with a light dessert like a fruit sorbet or a simple berry parfait. These desserts are not only refreshing but also help cleanse your palate after a rich and flavorful main course.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Cooking Bacon Perfectly
Achieving the perfect bacon texture is crucial for this recipe. Cook your bacon slices over medium heat until they are crispy but not burnt. This will ensure that they add a delightful crunch to your casserole. Remember to save the bacon grease, as it serves as a flavorful base for your garlic and cream sauce.
Making the Cream Sauce
The cream sauce is the heart of this casserole. To make it, cook minced garlic in the reserved bacon grease for about 30 seconds, just until it's fragrant. Next, pour in the full-fat cream and whisk in the cream cheese and shredded cheese. This combination creates a luscious, thick sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken. Don't forget to season it with ranch seasoning and adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
Pasta Perfection
Half-cooking your pasta before adding it to the casserole ensures that it absorbs the flavors of the sauce without becoming mushy. Boil the penne pasta until it's just al dente, then mix it with the cream sauce, pasta water, bacon, and chicken. This method guarantees a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is recommended for its shape and ability to hold the sauce, you can substitute it with other types like rigatoni, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it in a preheated oven until it's hot and bubbly.
Is it possible to make a lighter version?
Certainly! You can substitute the full-fat cream with a lighter version or even use milk. Additionally, opt for low-fat cream cheese and reduce the amount of shredded cheese if you're looking to cut down on calories.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
There are so many fantastic ways you can twist and turn chicken to make it into a tasty recipe you can serve to even the toughest crowd. Just check out these amazing chicken casseroles you can easily add to your rotation:
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