Description
This Crazy Good Casserole is a cheesy, comforting pasta bake featuring tender chicken, crispy smoked turkey, creamy soup, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this dish combines savory flavors in a deliciously baked casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 strips of smoked turkey, cooked and crumbled
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Pantry
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup (approximately 10.5 ounces each)
- 1 box (16 ounces) dried spiral pasta
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook smoked turkey: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey strips until they become crispy. Crumble the cooked turkey and set aside, reserving the turkey drippings in the skillet.
- Cook chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Using the reserved turkey drippings, cook the chicken in the same skillet, seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned.
- Prepare pasta: Cook the spiral pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the pot.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In the pot with the drained pasta, add the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the crumbled smoked turkey over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy chicken and smoked turkey pasta bake.
Notes
- You can substitute spiral pasta with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini if preferred.
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions or bell peppers when cooking the chicken.
- If you want a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and cream of chicken soup.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
