Description
A hearty and comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, crispy smoked turkey, creamy chicken soup, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese baked with spiral pasta to perfection. This cheesy chicken and smoked turkey pasta bake is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 strips of smoked turkey, cooked and crumbled
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Pantry
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 box (16 ounces) dried spiral pasta
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook smoked turkey: In a skillet over medium heat, cook smoked turkey strips until they are crispy. Remove from the skillet, crumble the crispy strips, and set aside. Reserve the drippings left in the skillet for the next step.
- Cook chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Using the reserved smoked turkey drippings in the skillet, cook the chicken pieces until they are fully cooked through. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste while cooking.
- Prepare pasta: Cook the dried spiral pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and return the pasta 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.
- Combine ingredients: In the pot with the cooked pasta, mix in the cooked chicken, two cans of cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled smoked turkey over the top, followed by the remaining 1 cup of 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 the oven and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked or store-bought smoked turkey strips for convenience.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
- Adding vegetables such as broccoli or mushrooms can add extra nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
