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A rustic stoneware baking dish filled with a hearty Creamy Chicken Casserole, showing off its bubbly, melted cheese topping.

The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Casserole (Viral-Worthy Recipe)

This Creamy Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Featuring tender chicken and pasta in a velvety cream sauce, topped with bubbly, golden-brown cheese and crispy bacon. An easy, viral-worthy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Penne or Rotini Pasta (450g)
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded or cubed chicken (about 1.5 lbs or 680g) Rotisserie chicken works well.
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • 2 cups whole milk (480ml)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (480ml)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt (5g)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (2.5g)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (226g) Divided use.
  • 1 cup low-moisture mozzarella, freshly grated (113g)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (15g) For garnish.

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) Baking Dish
  • 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta 1-2 minutes shy of al dente; drain. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy; remove and crumble, reserving 2 tbsp of grease.
  2. In the skillet with bacon grease, sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Melt in butter, then whisk in flour to form a paste (roux). Cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk, until smooth. Simmer until thickened. Stir in seasonings and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted.
  3. In a large bowl or pot, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and cream sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated. Pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  4. Top with the remaining cheddar, all the mozzarella, and the crumbled bacon. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until golden-brown and bubbly. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for an extra-crispy top.
  5. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Notes

Don't Overcook the Pasta: Undercooking it slightly is crucial as it will finish cooking in the oven.
Grate Your Own Cheese: For the smoothest, creamiest melt, avoid pre-shredded cheeses.
The Power of the Roux: Cook the flour and butter for a full minute to develop flavor and avoid a raw taste.
Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps the layers set for perfect scooping.