Comforting Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting a delightful chicken noodle casserole brings comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Busy home cooks appreciate how quickly these layers of tender chicken and soft noodles come together.

Creamy textures mingle with savory seasonings, creating a meal that feels like a loving embrace.

Simple pantry staples transform into something magical with just a few strategic steps.

Cheese adds a golden, bubbling finish that makes everyone excited to dig in.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a perfect time-saving option that adds delicious flavor and makes preparation much easier.

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

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.

• What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup if I don't have it?

You can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk as an alternative.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat cheese, and adding more vegetables like carrots or broccoli to increase the nutritional value.

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole for Busy Nights

• Simplify Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this casserole a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, transforming dinnertime into a crowd-pleasing experience.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you need a quick and filling meal that can be prepared in advance and easily reheated.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Egg Noodles: Classic pasta that provides the base and texture for this comforting casserole.
• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the dish.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that helps bind ingredients and creates a rich sauce.

• Milk: Adds smoothness and helps create a creamy consistency.
• Cheese: Provides a melty, golden topping and adds extra richness to the casserole.

• Peas, Onions, Garlic: Colorful vegetables that contribute additional flavor and nutrition.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C) and get ready for a cozy comfort meal.

Step 2: Boil Those Noodles

Cook egg noodles following package instructions, then drain completely in a colander.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

• Shredded chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Whole milk
• Sweet green peas
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything together until well incorporated.

Step 4: Mix And Marry Ingredients

Gently fold the cooked noodles into the creamy mixture, then sprinkle in half of the shredded cheese.

The goal is to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a generously greased baking dish.

Scatter the remaining cheese across the top for a golden, melty finish.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to transform into a bubbly, slightly golden crown.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your comforting chicken noodle casserole!

Pro Tips for Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Slightly undercook noodles before mixing, as they'll continue cooking in the casserole to maintain perfect texture.
• Sauté onions and garlic in butter before adding to create a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Swap chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even canned tuna for a quick protein variation.
• Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking for a delightful crispy layer.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Variations on Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use cornstarch instead of regular flour for thickening and choose gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative. Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for similar texture and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds. Select unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap noodles for cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables. Use Greek yogurt instead of cream soup and add extra herbs for enhanced flavor profile.

Serving Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Comfort Food Sidekick: Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy texture and add a fresh crunch.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls make an excellent companion, helping to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Family-Style Feast: Present the casserole directly in the baking dish for a homey, inviting meal that encourages sharing and seconds.
• Veggie Boost: Roasted broccoli or steamed asparagus on the side provide a nutritious complement and add vibrant color to the plate.

Storing Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add splash of milk to maintain moisture.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add small amount of milk to prevent dryness.

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful Chicken Noodle Casserole, blending creamy textures with hearty flavors. Cheesy, golden-topped goodness brings warmth to your table, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate 350F (175C), ensuring an even heating environment for the casserole.
2. Prepare egg noodles following package instructions, then thoroughly drain to prevent excess moisture.
3. Create a flavorful mixture by combining shredded chicken with cream of chicken soup, incorporating milk for smoothness and adding green peas for color and nutrition.
4. Enhance the blend with finely chopped onions and minced garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
5. Gently fold the cooked noodles into the chicken mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
6. Sprinkle half the cheese throughout the mixture, creating pockets of melted goodness.
7. Transfer the combined ingredients to a lightly greased baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
8. Top the casserole with the remaining cheese, creating a golden, crispy layer that will melt during baking.
9. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
10. Remove from oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld and settle.

Notes

• Customize protein easily by swapping chicken with turkey, canned tuna, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary needs.
• Use gluten-free egg noodles or cauliflower rice to make this recipe celiac-friendly and lower-carb.
• Boost vegetable content by adding diced carrots, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg