Chicken Noodle Casserole – Indulge in the irresistible flavors of our Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole! This delectable dish combines tender chicken, wholesome broccoli, and rotini pasta, all coated in a creamy and cheesy sauce. Baked to golden perfection and topped with crispy fried onions, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner or a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to win hearts and taste buds alike.
Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, and the comforting aroma of our Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole fills the air. As I set the piping hot dish on the table, my husband’s eyes light up with anticipation, and our little family gathers around, eager to dig in. This recipe holds a special place in our hearts because it originated from my grandmother’s kitchen. Over the years, we have added our own touches, making it our own signature dish. It has become a staple in our household, bringing us warmth and joy with every bite. Now, I’m thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you, so you too can create lasting memories around the dinner table.
Why This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Will Be Your New Favorite Comfort Food?
- Creamy and Cheesy Goodness: The combination of condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and two types of cheddar cheese creates a velvety, rich sauce that envelops the chicken, broccoli, and rotini, making every bite a burst of flavor.
- Versatile and Convenient: This casserole allows for flexibility in ingredients. You can substitute cream of chicken soup if preferred, and the recipe can be customized to include your favorite vegetables or additional seasonings.
- Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for feeding a hungry family or serving at gatherings, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike will savor the comforting combination of tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and crispy fried onions.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups diced chicken (approximately 450g)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups dry rotini pasta
- 10.5 oz. (297g) condensed cream of mushroom soup (cream of chicken can be used as a substitute)
- 8 oz. (227g) sour cream (equivalent to one cup)
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
- 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup regular cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup French’s crispy fried onions
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Season the diced chicken with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 3/4 teaspoon of garlic salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for approximately 3 minutes.
Add the broccoli to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat.
In the meantime, cook the rotini pasta for 1 minute less than the al dente cooking time indicated on the package.
In the same pot used for cooking the chicken and broccoli, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and 2 cups of sharp white cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
Drain the cooked rotini pasta and add it to the pot with the sauce and chicken-broccoli mixture. Gently mix everything together using a silicone spatula until well combined.
If the pot is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of regular cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the dish and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the cover and sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 8 minutes, allowing the onions to turn golden and crispy.
Serve your Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Notes:
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in this recipe, such as peas, carrots, or cauliflower, to add your own twist.
- For a touch of extra flavor, consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon as a garnish before serving.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure it’s heated through.
In conclusion, our Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a comforting embrace, a taste of home, and a vessel for creating treasured moments with your loved ones. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and the perfect balance of flavors, this casserole has the power to warm hearts and satisfy cravings.
Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family, this dish brings people together. The tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente rotini pasta coated in a velvety sauce create a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
As you savor each cheesy, crispy bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a staple in our household. The memories we’ve built around it, the shared laughter and joy, have made it a cherished part of our family story.
So, gather your loved ones around the table, serve up a generous portion of our Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole, and watch as smiles light up their faces. Let the aroma fill the air, let the flavors dance on your taste buds, and let this recipe become a part of your own family’s traditions.
With every delicious mouthful, may this casserole bring you comfort, warmth, and a sense of togetherness. Cheers to good food, cherished memories, and the joy of sharing a meal made with love. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for sharp white cheddar and regular cheddar, you can swap them out with your favorite cheeses. Gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack can be delicious alternatives.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking it. Prepare the dish as instructed, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake it according to the recipe’s instructions.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Certainly! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the soup. You can also add more vegetables or substitute the chicken with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives.
How long does this casserole last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, this casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire dish in the oven until heated through.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups diced chicken approximately 450g
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups dry rotini pasta
- 10.5 oz. 297g condensed cream of mushroom soup (cream of chicken can be used as a substitute)
- 8 oz. 227g sour cream (equivalent to one cup)
- 1/2 cup milk any kind
- 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup regular cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup French's crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Season the diced chicken with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 3/4 teaspoon of garlic salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for approximately 3 minutes.
- Add the broccoli to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat.
- In the meantime, cook the rotini pasta for 1 minute less than the al dente cooking time indicated on the package.
- In the same pot used for cooking the chicken and broccoli, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and 2 cups of sharp white cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Drain the cooked rotini pasta and add it to the pot with the sauce and chicken-broccoli mixture. Gently mix everything together using a silicone spatula until well combined.
- If the pot is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of regular cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the dish and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the cover and sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 8 minutes, allowing the onions to turn golden and crispy.
- Serve your Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!
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