CHEESY CHICKEN, BACON & BROCCOLI NOODLE CASSEROLE

INGREDIENTS:

-2 large boneless chicken breasts, diced into small cubes

-5 strips of bacon

-1 lb pasta (you can use ANY kind, I used large macaroni because I love when the sauce goes inside the noodles)

-1 large head of broccoli or 2 small heads, cut into small florets without stems

-3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

-1 26ounce can cream of chicken soup

-1 cup sour cream

-1 cup milk + more (see note in #4)

-Olive oil

-Italian seasoning

-Garlic powder

-Onion powder

-Salt/pepper

NOTE*** The best way to make this is to cook all of the components separately and then toss them all together before baking!

INSTRUCTIONS:

*Preheat oven to 375*

1. For the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat & drizzle with olive oil. Add chicken pieces & season generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper. Cook, tossing frequently, for 5-7 minutes until pieces are cooked through. Drain of any excess liquid from cooking. Set aside.

2. For bacon: Cook in a skillet over medium low heat until fat is cooked off & bacon is crispy. Set aside.

3. For broccoli: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat & drizzle with olive oil. Season broccoli with salt & pepper. Cook until soft (or to your liking). About 10-12 mins. Set aside.

4. In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, milk & two cups of cheese. Stir until well combined & lumps are gone. NOTE: If this mixture seems too thick, thin it out with small splashes of milk at a time. You want the consistency to be smooth & creamy without being too thick or too watery.

5. In a large deep pot, cook pasta according to package directions for "Al Dente". Drain pasta & add back into pot. To the same pot, add cooked chicken, broccoli, & soup mixture. Stir until everything is combined. Pour into a 9x13 baking dish. Cover with tinfoil & bake for 25 minutes.

6. Once 25 minutes is up, take out & remove tin foil. Sprinkle top with remaining 1 cup of cheese & crumbled bacon. Turn oven up to 400 & cook for another 8 minutes until cheese is melted.

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