Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

The Coziest Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe for Family Dinner

Comfort arrives with this mouthwatering chicken noodle casserole that promises warmth in every single bite.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen come flooding back through each creamy layer.

Tender chicken mingles with perfectly cooked noodles, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Hearty ingredients dance together, promising satisfaction for hungry souls.

Crispy golden breadcrumbs crown this delightful dish, adding a delectable crunch.

Simple ingredients mean you can whip up this meal without stress.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that everyone will adore.

Dig in and savor every comforting spoonful!

Quick Pointers for Chicken Noodle Casserole

  • Swap cream of chicken soup for homemade version to reduce sodium and control ingredients.
  • Replace whole milk with low-fat or almond milk for lighter, healthier casserole option.
  • Add extra herbs like thyme or parsley for more depth of flavor and fresh taste.
  • Prep vegetables ahead of time to speed up cooking process and ensure even chopping.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for quick and tender meat that adds extra flavor without extra cooking time.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Remix Ideas

  • Spicy Southwest Casserole: Replace peas and carrots with black beans, corn, and diced green chilies. Add taco seasoning to the soup mixture and top with crushed tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bake: Swap out cream of chicken soup for Greek yogurt. Mix in fresh oregano, basil, and crumbled feta cheese. Use spinach instead of peas and sprinkle with pine nuts before baking.
  • Creamy Mushroom Lovers Casserole: Substitute chicken with sautĂ©ed mushrooms and add wild rice. Include cream of mushroom soup and mix in thyme and parsley. Top with crispy fried onions for extra crunch.

Serving Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole to All

  • Comfort Corner Combo: Pair this creamy casserole with a crisp green salad and buttery dinner rolls for a complete, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
  • Potluck Party Platter: Serve in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at gatherings, letting guests enjoy personal-sized portions of this comforting classic.
  • Weekend Wellness Bowl: Top each serving with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra layer of fresh flavor that brightens the entire dish.
  • Leftover Magic Makeover: Transform next-day casserole into a quick lunch wrap by rolling portions in a warm tortilla with a dollop of ranch dressing for added zest.

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Storage Solutions

  • Store leftover casserole in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days. Keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk to prevent drying out.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta like rotini, penne, or wide egg noodles. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing into the casserole.

  • Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat sour cream, and add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value. You can also use whole wheat noodles for added fiber.

  • Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time.

What Makes Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Cozy

  • Craft Hearty Comfort: Dive into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that delivers rich, bold flavors with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Quick Family Pleaser: Prepare a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes that will have everyone asking for seconds, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for chicken or make it vegetarian, offering flexible options to suit different dietary preferences and taste buds.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-pan recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, restaurant-worthy meal right at home.

Shopping List for Chicken Noodle Casserole

For the Main Protein:
  • Cooked Chicken: Tender pieces of chicken that provide the primary protein source and hearty flavor for the casserole.
For the Pasta:
  • Egg Noodles: Soft, wide noodles that create a comforting base and absorb the creamy sauce perfectly.
For the Creamy Base:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Milk: A rich and smooth combination that creates a luxurious sauce binding all ingredients together.
For the Vegetables:
  • Peas, Carrots: Colorful and nutritious vegetables that add sweetness and texture to the casserole.
For the Topping and Seasoning:
  • Cheese: Melty ingredient that provides a golden, crispy top layer with extra flavor.
  • Breadcrumbs: Optional crunchy topping that adds a delightful texture to the casserole.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Directions for Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Directions for Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius) so it’s ready to transform your casserole into a delicious masterpiece.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Sour cream
  • Milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 3: Mix In Hearty Ingredients

Fold into the creamy sauce:
  • Tender cooked chicken
  • Soft egg noodles
  • Sweet green peas
  • Diced carrots
  • Shredded cheese (half portion)

Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Transfer To Baking Dish

Generously grease a casserole dish and pour in the entire mixture, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Add Crispy Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and add breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with deliciousness.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Print
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Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty chicken noodle casserole brings comfort straight from midwestern kitchens to dinner tables across America. Cheesy layers of tender pasta, succulent chicken, and creamy sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups chicken, shredded
  • 3 cups egg noodles, cooked
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup peas and carrots, frozen
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C), preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
  2. Whisk cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
  3. Fold in tender cooked chicken, soft egg noodles, vibrant peas, and sweet carrots, gently incorporating half of the shredded cheese.
  4. Transfer the creamy mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish, spreading evenly to ensure consistent flavor distribution.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top, and optionally dust with breadcrumbs for a delightful crispy texture.
  6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges that signal perfect doneness.
  7. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for a few minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the ingredients meld and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that keeps the creamy texture intact.
  • Use gluten-free egg noodles and replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflakes for crunch.
  • Boost vegetable content by adding spinach or diced zucchini for extra nutrition and color contrast in the casserole.
  • Customize protein options by substituting chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based protein for flexible meal preparation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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