Oh yes 😋—this Quick Cheesy Chicken Fusilli Casserole with Crispy Bacon is the ultimate comfort meal: creamy, cheesy, tender chicken, pasta coated in sauce, and crispy bacon on top. Here’s a step-by-step recipe:
🍝 Quick Cheesy Chicken Fusilli Casserole with Crispy Bacon
Ingredients (6 servings)
For the casserole:
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12 oz fusilli pasta (or any short pasta)
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mix of cheddar + mozzarella)
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1½ cups milk
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt & pepper to taste
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½ tsp paprika (optional)
For topping:
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4–6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
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½ cup extra shredded cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook pasta
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Cook fusilli according to package instructions 1–2 minutes less than directed (it will bake in the oven)
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Drain and set aside
2️⃣ Make cheese sauce
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat
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Whisk in flour, cook 1–2 minutes
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Slowly add milk, whisking to avoid lumps
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Cook until thickened (~3–5 minutes)
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Stir in 2 cups shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika
3️⃣ Assemble casserole
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
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In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce
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Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish
4️⃣ Add topping
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Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese over top
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Scatter crispy crumbled bacon evenly
5️⃣ Bake
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top
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Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispy cheese
Tips for Best Results
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Slightly undercook pasta to prevent mushy casserole
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Use leftover rotisserie chicken for speed
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Add veggies like broccoli or peas for color and nutrition
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Make ahead: assemble the night before, refrigerate, then bake the next day
Result: creamy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken and irresistible bacon crunch—comfort food at its finest! 😌
I can also give you a one-pan stovetop shortcut version that skips the oven entirely for a 20-minute meal.