Chicken Noodle Casserole

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the heart and satisfies the whole family, this Chicken Noodle Casserole is just what you need! With its creamy sauce, tender noodles, and hearty pieces of chicken, this dish is like a big hug on a plate. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s great for gatherings with friends or family — everyone will be asking for seconds!

This recipe is one I hold dear because it brings back memories of family dinners and laughter around the table. The best part? You can whip it up in just 15 minutes of prep time, leaving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time!
• Family favorite: Packed with flavors that appeal to everyone, even picky eaters will love this dish.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Deliciously creamy: The rich cream sauce makes every bite irresistible.
• Versatile options: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Chicken Noodle Casserole. You likely have many of these items in your pantry already!

For the Casserole

• 3 cups dry egg noodles (5½ oz or 156g)
• ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (divided)
• 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
• 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken

For the Topping

• 18 saltine or Ritz crackers

Variations

One of the best things about this Chicken Noodle Casserole is how flexible it is! You can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor.
• Add more veggies: Mix in some diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you’d like a lighter version.
• Change up the noodles: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and gets nice and bubbly by the time it’s done.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

In a large pot of salted water, cook those egg noodles according to package directions — but remember to undercook them by one minute! This helps prevent mushy noodles later when they bake in the casserole. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While those noodles are cooking, melt ¾ cup of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Sautéing these ingredients brings out their flavors beautifully. After about a minute, stir in the flour until no white remains. This will create a roux that thickens our sauce.

Step 4: Whisk in Broth and Cream

Now whisk in your low-sodium chicken broth and heavy whipping cream. Cook this mixture for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Give it a taste! Adjust any seasonings as necessary — we want it just right.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In your greased baking dish, combine those perfectly cooked noodles with the creamy sauce, frozen peas and carrots, and chopped chicken. Mix everything together until well combined; this is where all those delicious flavors meld into one!

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

Grab a medium zip-top bag and crush those crackers into crumbs—this adds such a delightful crunch on top! Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the microwave and stir it into your crushed crackers before sprinkling them evenly over the casserole.

Step 7: Bake

Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until it’s bubbly around the edges. Once done, let it cool slightly before serving — that first slice will be so worth it!

Your Chicken Noodle Casserole is now ready to enjoy! I hope this becomes a cherished recipe in your home as much as it is in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Noodle Casserole

Creating the perfect Chicken Noodle Casserole is a breeze with a few helpful tips!

• Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, this is a fantastic way to save time and add extra flavor to your casserole.
• Don’t overcook the noodles: Since the noodles will continue to cook in the oven, undercooking them by just a minute ensures they don’t become mushy.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• Experiment with toppings: Instead of crackers, try topping with crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs mixed with herbs for an extra crunch.

How to Serve Chicken Noodle Casserole

This delicious Chicken Noodle Casserole can be served in various delightful ways that enhance its comforting character.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds vibrant color and a refreshing flavor contrast.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A light dusting of Parmesan on top right before serving can give an irresistible savory note.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: This classic side complements the creamy casserole perfectly, providing a crunchy texture and rich flavor.
• Simple green salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette brings brightness to the meal.
• Steamed broccoli: Easily prepared and packed with nutrients, steamed broccoli adds a nice crunch and balances out the dish.
• Roasted sweet potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory elements of the casserole.

Enjoy your cozy night in with this heartwarming Chicken Noodle Casserole—perfect for bringing family together around the dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Noodle Casserole is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep. You can easily prepare it ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze!

Storing Leftovers

• Let the casserole cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
• For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, checking every minute until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe.

Can I use other types of noodles for Chicken Noodle Casserole?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with rotini, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How long does Chicken Noodle Casserole last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your Chicken Noodle Casserole should last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make Chicken Noodle Casserole without heavy cream?

Yes! You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a lighter version of this dish. It will still be creamy and delicious!

What vegetables can I add to my Chicken Noodle Casserole?

Feel free to add any veggies you like! Broccoli, bell peppers, or corn would all work wonderfully alongside peas and carrots.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Noodle Casserole is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and joy to any dinner table. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!