If you’re looking for a dish that hits all the right notes—comforting, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness—look no further than the Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe. This recipe brings together tender chicken, crispy smoked turkey, creamy soup, and melty Monterey Jack cheese baked over perfectly cooked spiral pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate and is guaranteed to become a fast favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each plays a crucial role in delivering the incredible taste and delightful texture of this casserole. From the smoky turkey strips to the creamy cheese, every element adds depth and richness to the dish.
- 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that forms the star base of the casserole.
- 6 strips of smoked turkey, cooked and crumbled: Adds a wonderful smoky flavor and crispy texture that contrasts with the tender chicken.
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup: Brings creamy moisture and savory notes that bind all the ingredients together.
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully, giving the casserole a luscious, gooey finish with mild tang.
- 1 box (16 ounces) dried spiral pasta: The spirals hold onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Injects depth and warmth to the dish’s seasoning.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to enhance all the other flavors and bring balance.
How to Make Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Crisp Up the Smoked Turkey
Start by cooking your smoked turkey strips in a skillet over medium heat until they turn deliciously crispy. This step not only intensifies the smoky flavor but also creates drippings that will add incredible depth when cooking the chicken. Once crispy, crumble the smoked turkey and set it aside for topping later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken in the Smoky Drippings
Next, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and cook them in the skillet with those reserved turkey drippings. As the chicken sizzles, season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This allows the chicken to soak up that smoky essence while developing a beautifully seasoned crust on the outside.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta
Boil your spiral pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and then return it to the pot to keep warm. Spiral pasta is ideal here because each twist snugs in sauce and cheese, making each forkful a little flavor explosion.
Step 4: Get Oven-Ready
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Proper greasing ensures your cheesy pasta bake won’t stick and can be served effortlessly once golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
In your pasta pot, mix together the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese with the drained spiral pasta. This blend guarantees every bite is creamy and cheesy, with chicken perfectly distributed throughout.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer this luscious pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumbled crispy smoked turkey evenly across the top, then cover with the remaining cheese. This layering ensures a delightful crunch from the turkey paired with that irresistible golden cheese crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes in your preheated oven. When the cheese is melted, gooey, and sporting a beautiful golden-brown hue, your casserole is ready. Serve it hot, and watch as everyone’s faces light up from the flavors in this Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe.
How to Serve Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. These green garnishes brighten up the dish visually and add a subtle herbal freshness that beautifully balances all the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty, so lighter sides work best. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted seasonal veggies. These sides add both color and crunch while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Crazy Good Casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. It’s perfect for portion control and makes the presentation extra special when entertaining guests. You could even add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day. Make sure to cool the casserole before sealing to keep it fresh.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe freezes beautifully. Store individual portions or the whole casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty foil. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain that lovely crispy cheese topping. Alternatively, microwave individual servings covered with a damp paper towel to keep the casserole moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spiral pasta is fantastic for holding onto the sauce, penne, rotini, or shell pasta would also work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture after baking.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free version or a homemade alternative, and use dairy-free cheese substitutes. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe without smoked turkey?
The smoked turkey adds a unique smoky crunch, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it or substitute with bacon or ham. Just cook it until crispy to keep that pleasant texture contrast.
How spicy is this recipe?
This casserole doesn’t have any heat on its own, making it perfect for all palates. If you love a little spice, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce either during cooking or at the table.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two standard ones. Ensure the casserole is spread out to allow even baking and check doneness as oven times may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe is truly one of those dishes that makes you feel warm inside with every bite. It’s simple to put together yet delivers layers of incredible flavors and textures that everyone will rave about. So, gather your ingredients and dive into this cheesy, smoky, and utterly satisfying pasta bake—I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Crazy Good Casserole: Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crazy Good Casserole features a comforting blend of tender chicken, smoky turkey, creamy soup, and melted Monterey Jack cheese baked to golden perfection over spiral pasta. This hearty pasta bake is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4–5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 6 strips smoked turkey, cooked and crumbled
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces each)
Pasta & Seasonings
- 1 box (16 ounces) dried spiral pasta
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the smoked turkey: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey strips until they are crispy. Once cooked, crumble the turkey strips into small pieces and set aside, keeping the drippings in the skillet for cooking the chicken.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Using the reserved turkey drippings, cook the chicken pieces in the skillet over medium heat. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly browned.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spiral pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients: In the pot with the drained pasta, mix together the cooked chicken, the two cans of cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled smoked turkey evenly over the top, then cover with the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. Remove from oven and serve hot for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked turkey strips with smoked turkey sausage or bacon for different smoky flavors.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup and lower-fat cheese options.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Add vegetables like peas or broccoli for added nutrients and color.
