If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that’s as creamy and satisfying as it is easy to make, this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender egg noodles, juicy chicken, sweet veggies, and a luscious, cheesy sauce all baked to golden perfection. This dish is the definition of cozy, and it’s beloved by picky eaters and foodies alike! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want some leftovers to enjoy the next day, this casserole is a must-try for any home cook looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is in its simplicity: every ingredient serves a purpose, building layers of flavor, texture, and color. You’ll find that the basic pantry staples and a few fresh touches make all the difference in creating this creamy, dreamy casserole.
- Egg noodles (12 ounces): These provide the classic base—soft, slightly chewy, and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or cubed): Rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly, adding a hearty, protein-packed bite.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps soften the onions for a deeper flavor.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Brings sweetness and a savory depth that enhances every bite.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives a beautiful, aromatic kick that makes the casserole irresistible.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup, thawed): A pop of color and natural sweetness that rounds out the dish.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): The secret weapon for that creamy, comforting texture.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Balances the richness with a tangy note—Greek yogurt can be swapped in for a lighter option.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Thins the sauce just enough to coat every noodle without making it runny.
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of herby freshness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle hint of warmth that keeps things interesting.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, divided): Melty, gooey, and golden on top—cheese lovers, rejoice!
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional): For a crispy, buttery topping that’s pure comfort (totally optional, but highly recommended).
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon, for topping): Helps the breadcrumbs toast up beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your egg noodles until they’re just al dente—soft with a little bite, since they’ll cook more in the oven. Drain them well and set aside. This simple step ensures your casserole won’t turn mushy and that every noodle will hold up to the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and turns slightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. This aromatic base infuses the entire casserole with layers of flavor that make every forkful extra special.
Step 3: Mix Up the Filling
Grab a big mixing bowl and add in your cooked noodles, shredded chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, peas and carrots, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and one cup of the cheddar cheese. Gently mix everything together until it’s creamy and evenly combined. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning—it’s your chance to make the Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe truly your own!
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in the noodle mixture. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese over the top. If you’re feeling a little extra, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and scatter them across the surface for a perfectly crispy finish.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for about five minutes before serving—this helps the sauce settle and makes slicing much easier.
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of extra black pepper. For an added zing, a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes can take things up a notch. These simple garnishes add color and a fresh burst of flavor to your Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables. Try serving it alongside steamed broccoli, garlic bread, or even a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate cozy meal. The light sides balance out the richness and make dinner feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings, or spoon it onto a platter and top with extra cheese and herbs for a rustic family-style presentation. For potlucks, bake and serve right from the dish—it travels well and reheats like a dream!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making the next-day reheated portions incredibly delicious.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the casserole, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish but hold off on the breadcrumb topping until you’re ready to bake. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding the fresh topping right before it goes in the oven.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20–25 minutes). For individual servings, a minute or two in the microwave works great. If the casserole seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back that creamy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic, you can substitute with rotini, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they don’t get too soft during baking.
What vegetables can I add or swap in the casserole?
This Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is very flexible—broccoli florets, green beans, corn, or sautéed mushrooms all work beautifully. Just make sure to cook or thaw any frozen veggies before adding them to the mix.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, then bake as directed. It’s a true lifesaver for busy weeknights or when guests are coming.
Is it possible to make this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe lighter?
You bet. Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheese, or choose a low-sodium cream of chicken soup. You’ll still get all the cozy comfort without as much richness.
How can I add more flavor to the casserole?
Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of hot sauce, or a handful of chopped fresh herbs to the filling. You can also use a mix of cheeses or even some grated Parmesan for extra depth and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a feel-good dinner that everyone will ask for again and again, don’t miss this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and fills the house with mouthwatering aromas. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple, satisfying, and downright delicious comfort food can be!
Print
Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Noodle Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked dish combining tender cooked chicken, egg noodles, and a flavorful blend of vegetables and cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Noodles: Boil salted water and cook the egg noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent, then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, thawed peas and carrots, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until evenly blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, pour the noodle mixture into the dish, and spread evenly for uniform baking.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. If using, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and distribute evenly over the cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a faster and convenient prep.
- You can add mushrooms or substitute other vegetables such as broccoli or green beans to customize your casserole.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
