Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is the perfect easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. With tender chicken, egg noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it comes together quickly for a comforting meal. If you enjoy chicken dishes, you might also like Mini Chicken Pot Pie Muffins Recipe or Perfect Buttery Biscuits Recipe as a side.

Ingredients

This comforting Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole combines tender egg noodles, savory chicken, and creamy sauce for the ultimate family-friendly meal.

• 12 ounces dry wide egg noodles
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 20 ounces cream of chicken soup (2 cans)
• 1 cup milk
• 10 ounces frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Kosher salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent the Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole from sticking.

Step 2 — Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 6–8 minutes. Drain well to avoid a watery casserole.

Step 3 — Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

While noodles cook, dice 2 cups of cooked chicken. Sauté 1 cup of chopped onion and 1 cup of sliced celery in a skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter until softened, about 5–7 minutes. This builds the flavor base for your casserole.

Step 4 — Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk until smooth. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and sauce thickens.

Step 5 — Combine All Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the drained noodles, cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce. Add 1 cup of frozen peas and season with 1 teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently until evenly coated.

Step 6 — Transfer to Baking Dish and Top

Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle ½ cup of additional shredded cheese and ¼ cup of breadcrumbs over the top for a golden, crispy finish.

Step 7 — Bake the Casserole

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F if checked with a food thermometer.

Step 8 — Rest Before Serving

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve neat portions.

Step 9 — Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve your homemade Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole warm alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	21g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey or Tuna — Swap chicken for lean ground turkey or canned tuna for a lighter protein with similar hearty texture.
• Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash — Replace egg noodles with spiralized zucchini or roasted spaghetti squash for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
• Whole Wheat or Chickpea Pasta — Use whole wheat noodles for extra fiber or chickpea pasta for a gluten-free, high-protein alternative.
• Nutritional Yeast or Vegan Cheese — Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds for a vegan, dairy-free Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole.
• Low-Sodium Broth & Reduced-Salt Cheese — Choose low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-salt cheese to cut sodium while keeping flavor.
• Greek Yogurt or Cashew Cream — Replace creamy soup or sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or blended cashew cream for a tangy, lower-fat sauce.
• Cauliflower Rice or Lentils — Mix in riced cauliflower or cooked lentils to boost veggies and fiber while reducing noodles.
• Almond Flour Topping — Top with almond flour mixed with olive oil instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free, crunchy finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for a complete, comforting meal.
• This casserole is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or as a cozy weeknight meal.
• For a heartier occasion, add a side of garlic bread or soft dinner rolls.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• Portion into individual ramekins for an elegant, personalized plating option.

This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is wonderfully versatile and sure to be a crowd-pleaser no matter how you choose to serve it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using raw chicken directly in the casserole. Fix: Always pre-cook chicken to 165°F to ensure food safety and prevent a watery dish.
• Mistake: Overcooking the egg noodles before baking. Fix: Cook noodles al dente so they absorb sauce without turning mushy during baking.
• Mistake: Adding cheese only on top. Fix: Mix cheese into the sauce for a richer, more uniformly cheesy chicken noodle casserole.
• Mistake: Skipping the sauce thickening step. Fix: Create a roux with butter and flour before adding liquids for a creamy, non-runny consistency.
• Mistake: Using low-fat cheese that doesn’t melt well. Fix: Opt for full-fat cheeses like sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for superior melt and flavor.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the sauce adequately. Fix: Taste and season your sauce generously with salt, pepper, and herbs before combining with other ingredients.
• Mistake: Overfilling the baking dish. Fix: Use a sufficiently large dish to prevent bubbling over and ensure even cooking throughout.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature, causing the top to burn. Fix: Bake at 350°F–375°F, covered initially, for even heating and a perfectly golden top.
• Mistake: Skipping the resting period after baking. Fix: Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes so the sauce sets for cleaner slices.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is reheated to a safe temperature of 165°F before serving.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy and delicious. We hope your family loves it as much as ours does! If you try it, please leave a comment below. For more cozy meals, check out our Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe or Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more family-friendly recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

What can I use instead of canned soup in this recipe?

You can substitute the canned soup with a simple homemade sauce. Combine milk, chicken broth, and a little flour or cornstarch to create a creamy base for your Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven until warmed through.