Description
This Crazy Good Casserole is a deliciously comforting cheesy chicken and smoked turkey pasta bake. Combining tender chicken breast pieces, crispy smoked turkey strips, creamy soup, and melted Monterey Jack cheese over perfectly cooked spiral pasta, this casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 strips of smoked turkey, cooked and crumbled
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
Pasta & Pantry
- 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. Once done, crumble the strips and set them aside, reserving the flavorful drippings left in the skillet.
- Cook Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In the same skillet with the reserved turkey drippings, cook the chicken pieces. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, cooking thoroughly until the chicken is no longer pink and nicely browned.
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the spiral pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare 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, mix in the cooked chicken, both cans of cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir everything until well combined and evenly mixed.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly top the casserole with the crumbled smoked turkey and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or cream when mixing the soup and pasta.
- Feel free to substitute other cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well in the oven or microwave.
- You can add vegetables like peas or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture if desired.
