Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Family Favorite

Cooking a hearty chicken noodle casserole brings comfort and warmth to any mealtime.

Families adore this classic dish for its creamy texture and rich flavors.

Layers of tender noodles, succulent chicken, and velvety sauce create a mouthwatering experience.

Cheesy goodness melts into every bite, promising satisfaction for everyone around the table.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe a go-to solution for busy weeknights.

Comfort food doesn’t get more delicious than this home-style favorite.

I bet you’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving.

Why Chicken Noodle Casserole Is The Perfect Weeknight Fix

• Tackle Family Comfort: A hearty, soul-warming dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table with its rich, creamy texture and satisfying flavors.
• Master One-Pot Magic: Combines protein, vegetables, and noodles in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience for busy home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients like different vegetables, chicken types, or cheese to suit personal preferences and pantry availability.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual dinner parties where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need For Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat providing the primary protein source for the casserole.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken adding extra flavor and convenience to the dish.

• Egg Noodles: Classic pasta that provides a hearty base for the casserole.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Colorful blend of vegetables adding nutrition and texture to the dish.
• Onions, Celery, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful foundation for the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Heavy Cream, Milk, Sour Cream: Creamy components that create a rich and smooth sauce.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and provide structure to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds depth of flavor.

• Dried Thyme, Parsley: Herbs that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing flavors.
• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Butter: Crispy topping that adds a golden, crunchy texture to the casserole.

Easy Instructions For Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Boil The Noodles

Cook egg noodles in salted water until they’re perfectly tender. Save a splash of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Veggies

In a skillet, dance some chopped onions, celery, and garlic around until they’re soft and smell incredible, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare The Chicken

Gently poach chicken breasts in chicken broth until fully cooked. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Create A Creamy Base

• Cream of chicken soup
• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Eggs

Blend until silky smooth.

Step 6: Build The Flavor Profile

• Shredded chicken
• Rotisserie chicken
• Frozen mixed vegetables
• Dried thyme
• Fresh parsley

Step 7: Combine Noodles

Add cooked noodles and reserved pasta water, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 8: Season And Cheese It Up

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 9: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out smoothly.

Step 10: Create A Crunchy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this crispy mixture over the casserole.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden and edges are bubbling.

Step 12: Let It Rest

Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes before serving, letting it set and cool slightly.

Tips To Make Chicken Noodle Casserole Better

• Prevent Soggy Noodles: Cook egg noodles just until al dente and reserve some pasta water to maintain perfect texture without becoming mushy.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté onions, celery, and garlic before adding to the casserole for a richer, more developed taste profile.
• Create Creamy Consistency: Whisk soup, cream, and eggs thoroughly to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with rotisserie, turkey, or even canned tuna for a quick protein variation.
• Perfect Golden Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with parmesan and melted butter to create a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds delightful crunch.

Different Ways To Flavor Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Southwest Spice Splash: Replace thyme and parsley with chili powder, cumin, and chopped green chilies for a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Magic: Swap chicken with feta cheese, add kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and use oregano instead of thyme to create a Greek-style casserole.
• Veggie Power Boost: Substitute chicken with roasted butternut squash, add spinach, and incorporate nutritional yeast for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with flaked salmon or white fish, mix in dill, and use light cream cheese for a coastal-inspired alternative.

Sides That Go With Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Elevate Comfort with Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes that complement the creamy casserole's rich texture and balance its hearty flavors.
• Match Herbal Beverage Companion: Brew a light chamomile tea to soften the dish's richness and provide a gentle, soothing counterpoint to the creamy chicken noodles.
• Enhance with Sparkling Refreshment: Select a dry prosecco to cut through the casserole's heaviness, adding brightness and effervescence that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Create Savory Side Salad: Prepare a tangy mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to introduce a fresh, acidic element that contrasts the casserole's creamy and comforting profile.

How To Store Chicken Noodle Casserole Properly

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Prepare the entire casserole and freeze uncooked for up to 2 months. Wrap securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Divide cooled casserole into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals. These portions will keep well in the refrigerator for quick reheating throughout the week.
• Warm refrigerated casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying.

Top Questions On Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with wide egg noodles, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta for a different texture and nutritional profile.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt, use low-fat cream of chicken soup, add more vegetables, and use whole grain breadcrumbs to boost nutritional value.

• Can I freeze this chicken noodle casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic with this hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole that brings warmth to family dinner tables. Creamy, cheesy layers blend perfectly with tender chicken and pasta, creating a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken

Noodles and Pasta:

• 12 oz egg noodles
• 1/2 cup pasta water

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley

Dairy and Binding:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs

Pantry and Seasoning:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Topping:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
2. Cook egg noodles in salted water until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, sauté onions, celery, and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. Poach chicken breasts in chicken broth until fully cooked, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
5. In a massive mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, milk, sour cream, and eggs until smooth and well combined.
6. Fold in shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, dried thyme, and parsley into the creamy mixture.
7. Add cooked noodles and pasta water to the mixture, stirring gently to ensure even coating.
8. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
9. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
10. Combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
11. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
12. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Customize chicken selection by using rotisserie for time-saving or poaching fresh breasts for controlled seasoning.
• Swap egg noodles with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or rice noodles for dietary restrictions.
• Reduce dairy content by using low-fat cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and skim milk for lighter version.
• Enhance vegetable variety by incorporating seasonal or roasted vegetables for added nutrition and complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg