Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience with this Crazy Good Casserole! It is a truly delicious dish, packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.
This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you crave something warm and satisfying. You will love how simple it is to prepare, making it a new staple in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crazy Good Casserole
This Crazy Good Casserole quickly becomes a family favorite for many reasons.
- Ultra-Comforting: Enjoy a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal that feels like a hug.
- One-Dish Convenience: Prepare and bake everything in a single dish for minimal cleanup.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this flavorful chicken pasta bake.
- Flexible & Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to fit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Great for Leftovers: This hearty casserole tastes even better the next day, perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need to create this amazing chicken pasta Crazy Good Casserole. Each component plays a vital role in its delicious flavor and texture.
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded (about 2 large chicken breasts))
- 2 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled Turkey bacon (about 6 slices)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
- Cooked Chicken: Use shredded chicken breast, convenient rotisserie chicken, or leftover cooked turkey for this recipe.
- Pasta: Feel free to substitute egg noodles with penne, rotini, or any small-to-medium pasta shape.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Swap with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. You can also make a homemade cream of chicken substitute.
- Sour Cream: For a lighter twist, use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Cheddar Cheese: Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Colby blend all work wonderfully in this delicious casserole.
- Bacon: Bacon is optional but adds a fantastic salty crunch and smoky flavor to the dish.
- Seasonings: Adjust salt and pepper to your preference. Consider adding a pinch of paprika or dried parsley for extra flavor.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment before you start cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable. You will need just a few basic kitchen tools for this Crazy Good Casserole.
- 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar size)
- Large pot (for cooking noodles)
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions For The Best Crazy Good Casserol
Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to create your own homemade Crazy Good Casserole. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly and quick, ensuring a delicious meal every time.
Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (or similar size) baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Cook Noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the egg noodles until they are just al dente. This means they should still be slightly firm, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside.
Make the Sauce: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. This forms the creamy base for your Crazy Good Casserole.
Assemble Casserole: Add the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the bowl with the sauce mixture. Gently stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Transfer to Dish: Pour the entire noodle and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and bacon evenly over the top of the casserole. This creates a beautiful, bubbly, golden crust.
Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes. The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly around the edges.
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions if you desire, for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy your warm and comforting Crazy Good Casserole!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering this Crazy Good Casserole is simple with a few smart tips. These suggestions help ensure a perfect dish every time and resolve common issues.
- Resting Time: Always let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making for easier and cleaner slices.
- Prevent Dryness: Cover the casserole with foil during the initial baking phase. This traps moisture and prevents the top from drying out before the middle is heated through.
- Golden Crust: Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This allows the cheese topping to get perfectly melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown.
- Even Cooking: Distribute the noodles, chicken, and sauce evenly in the baking dish. This ensures every bite of your chicken bake is equally delicious and cooked consistently.
- Reheating Leftovers: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This Crazy Good Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but these ideas elevate your dining experience.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp, fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette.
- Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Garnish individual servings with fresh chopped green onions for a bright pop of flavor and color.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover portions of the Crazy Good Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze individual or family-sized portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Thaw & Reheat: Thaw frozen casserole portions overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C), covered with foil, until heated through.
Flavor Variations
- Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning, a can of drained black beans, corn, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
- Veggie Packed: Stir in steamed broccoli florets, frozen peas, or chopped fresh spinach for extra nutrients.
- Spicy Twist: Mix in diced green chiles, finely chopped jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Italian Style: Use marinara sauce instead of cream of chicken, add cooked Italian sausage, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Breakfast Casserole: Adapt the concept with scrambled eggs, cooked breakfast sausage, and cubed hash browns for a morning meal.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the following nutrition information is an approximate estimate for one serving of this Crazy Good Casserole. Actual values may vary based on exact ingredient brands, preparation methods, and serving sizes. This homemade dish offers wholesome ingredients.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 |
| Protein | 30-35g |
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35g |
Enjoy the benefits of a home-cooked meal, allowing you to control the quality and quantity of ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Is it possible to freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble and bake the casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What’s a good substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, or make a simple homemade béchamel sauce with chicken broth.
Conclusion
This Crazy Good Casserole is truly a game-changer for busy home cooks seeking comfort and convenience. It is undeniably a family favorite, delivering a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Its versatility means you can easily adapt it to your preferences, making it perfect for any occasion.
Give this ultimate comfort food a try tonight, and prepare to add this delightful Crazy Good Casserole to your regular meal rotation. We are sure you will love it!
According to FoodSafety.gov, cooked meat or poultry leftovers are safe to store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Crazy Good Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half the cheddar cheese, and half the turkey bacon to the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 13 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Bacon replaced with turkey bacon to keep it pork-free.
