Cheesy Chicken Bacon Pasta (Print Version)

A creamy, cheesy pasta layered with tender chicken and crispy bacon, baked to golden perfection.

# Ingredients:

Meat

01 - 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
02 - 8 slices quality bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dairy

03 - 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
04 - 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

Pasta & Grains

05 - 450 grams (16 ounces) dried spiral pasta

Spices & Seasonings

06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

# Instructions:

01 - Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside.
02 - Using bacon drippings, cook chicken chunks in the skillet over medium heat. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden.
03 - Cook spiral pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
04 - In the pot, return drained pasta and add cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir to combine and coat evenly.
05 - Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with crumbled bacon and remaining 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
06 - Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Using bacon drippings to cook chicken adds flavor and richness.