When life gets busy but you still crave a warm, comforting meal packed with rich flavors, Chicken Noodle Casserole is the answer. Imagine perfectly tender noodles mingling with juicy shredded chicken, nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce and dotted with vibrant broccoli. Finished off with a golden layer of melty cheese (and an optional, irresistible crispy topping), this casserole is heaven in a dish—and it’s ready in a flash! With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, dinner will hit the table before you know it, making this recipe a weeknight hero and a family favorite that’s sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Seriously Simple: This casserole comes together with minimal prep, especially if you use rotisserie chicken. The steps are easy, with plenty of wiggle room if you’re multitasking between homework, emails, or just taking a breather.
  • Delightfully Creamy: The sauce is indulgent and rich, with heavy cream and plenty of melty Swiss and mozzarella cheeses wrapping everything up in a big cozy hug.
  • Fully Customizable: Got different veggies in the fridge? Want to play with the cheeses? No problem—swapping in your favorites is effortless.
  • Great for Make-Ahead & Leftovers: Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking the freezer for a future busy night, this casserole keeps so well you’ll actually look forward to leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these key players for a dish that absolutely delivers on flavor and comfort:

  • Dry Pasta or Noodles: The backbone of the casserole—it holds everything together. Rotini works perfectly thanks to its shape, but most pasta varieties shine here.
  • Olive Oil: Used to sauté your vegetables, bringing out sweetness and depth.
  • Yellow Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth that makes the casserole taste homemade.
  • Garlic: Aromatic and bold; it’s a flavor booster you do not want to skip.
  • Broccoli Florets: For a pop of color and a little veggie crunch. Frozen or fresh—whatever’s in your fridge!
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the layers perfectly.
  • Heavy Cream: For that gloriously luscious and creamy sauce. Do not substitute! Lighter dairy just won’t cut it here.
  • Cooked, Shredded Chicken: Use rotisserie for ease, or poach and shred your own for full control—either way, it adds hearty protein.
  • Swiss Cheese: Brings a slightly nutty, creamy flavor that stands up beautifully in the casserole.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: For the divine melt on top. Either shredded or cubed works.
  • Optional Crisp Topping: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter make the top irresistibly crunchy. Highly encouraged if you love contrast in textures!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This casserole is practically begging for your personal touch. Here are some favorite twists:

  • Different Veggies: Swap broccoli for cauliflower, peas, spinach, or even roasted red peppers.
  • Switch Up the Cheese: Not a fan of Swiss? Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a blend.
  • Add Spices: Toss in a pinch of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or chili flakes for extra flavor.
  • Protein Options: Sub the chicken for turkey, ham, or even cooked tofu for a meatless version.
  • Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make it accessible to all.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Basics

Get your oven preheated to 400°F and grease a casserole or baking dish. Start by cooking your pasta of choice according to package directions. While the water boils and pasta cooks, multi-task by moving to the next steps!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently for even cooking. Toss in the garlic and continue cooking for another minute so it turns fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Add Broccoli and Season

Stir in your broccoli florets, salt, and pepper. Cover the skillet (a lid or even a baking sheet works!) and let the broccoli steam for around 3 minutes. The pieces should be nice and small—this helps them cook evenly and snuggle into every casserole bite.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle, soft boil—just a bit of bubbling for about 2–3 minutes. Don’t walk away! Heavy cream can separate if it boils hard, so gentle heat is key.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheese

Fold in the cooked, shredded chicken and Swiss cheese, stirring constantly so the cheese melts into the sauce. Satisfying, right?

Step 6: Combine and Assemble

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, thoroughly mixing until everything is evenly coated. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Top and Bake

Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella over the top. For a crunchy finish, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them on as well. Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If you like an extra golden crust, broil for 2–3 minutes right at the end!

Step 8: Serve

Let it cool slightly, then serve up big scoops—hot, creamy, and oozy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Keep the Broccoli Small: Bite-size pieces cook quickly and blend perfectly into every forkful.
  • Gentle Heat for the Sauce: When adding the cream, don’t let it boil hard or the sauce may turn grainy.
  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s a huge time-saver and infuses a touch of extra savoriness.
  • Melting the Cheese: Stir frequently as you add the Swiss into the hot skillet to create a velvety sauce base.
  • Crispy Topper: Don’t skip the panko-butter combo if you’re craving crunch.

How to Serve

This casserole is a true all-in-one comfort meal, but you can make it sing even louder with simple sides:

  • Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
  • Crusty Bread: Mop up the creamy sauce with your favorite toasty bread.
  • Hot Sauce or Chili Flakes: For those who like a kick, offer hot sauce or red chili flakes on the side.
  • Steamed Veggies: Add extra color and crunch with steamed carrots, peas, or green beans.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep extra casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors only get cozier as they mingle!

Freezing

Freeze individual portions or a whole casserole (tightly wrapped) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for easy reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently in the microwave in 30-second bursts, or cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. Add a splash of cream or milk if the casserole looks dry after storing.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different kind of pasta?

    Absolutely! Rotini is fun and holds the sauce, but penne, egg noodles, bowties, or even macaroni all work wonderfully. Just go for bite-sized shapes that catch plenty of creamy sauce.

  2. What’s the best way to cook and shred chicken for this recipe?

    Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut, but if you’re cooking from scratch, simply poach boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in lightly salted water. Shred with two forks once cool enough to handle—or pulse in a stand mixer for perfectly uniform shreds.

  3. Can I swap in other vegetables?

    Definitely. This casserole is perfect for raiding your crisper drawer! Cauliflower, carrots, peas, spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms make excellent swaps or additions.

  4. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

    Yes! Assemble everything right up to the mozzarella topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Noodle Casserole is comfort food made wonderfully simple. With a creamy sauce, tender pasta, and loads of cheesy goodness in every bite, it’s proof that weeknight dinners don’t need to be complicated to be genuinely delicious. Give it your own twist, savor the golden cheese, and let the warmth of this classic favorite fill your kitchen and your table. Happy cooking!

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Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

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  • Author: Jaden Christner
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal
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Description

This comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole features tender pasta, juicy shredded chicken, sauteed vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked to perfection for a family-friendly meal that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

  • 3 cups dry pasta or noodles (such as rotini), cooked according to package directions

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced small
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen), cut into small pieces

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream (do not substitute)

Protein

  • 2 1/2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (such as rotisserie chicken)

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or diced into small cubes)

Optional Topping

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven & Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Spray a 3 to 4-quart casserole or baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, rinse under cold water, drain well, and set aside. While pasta is cooking, proceed with the next steps.
  3. Saute the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and saute for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently until softened. Add finely minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Cook the Broccoli: Add broccoli florets, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine. Cover with a lid to create steam, and cook for about 3 minutes, ensuring broccoli pieces are small for faster, even cooking.
  5. Add the Cream: Pour in heavy cream and increase heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it bubble just slightly for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to boil rapidly to avoid curdling the cream.
  6. Combine Chicken and Cheese: Stir in shredded chicken and Swiss cheese, mixing constantly to help the cheese melt and the mixture become creamy and well blended.
  7. Mix in Pasta and Transfer: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring well so everything is evenly combined. Transfer this mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
  8. Add Mozzarella and (Optional) Crispy Topping: Evenly sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. For a crispy topping, combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter in a small bowl, mix, and sprinkle evenly with the mozzarella.
  9. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and the top is golden brown to your liking.
  10. Serve and Store: Serve hot and fresh. Leftovers can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave as needed.

Notes

  • Cut broccoli into small florets for best texture and even cooking.
  • You can substitute the pasta shape (try penne, fusilli, egg noodles, etc.).
  • For make-ahead, assemble the casserole but do not bake; cover and refrigerate up to 48 hours before baking.
  • A crunchy topping can be made with panko and butter, but is optional.
  • This dish freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg
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Hey everyone! I'm Jaden, and welcome to YummyHere! Basically, I'm obsessed with food. Like, really obsessed. So, I figured, why not share all my yummy creations with the world? Hopefully, you'll find something here that makes you say "Yum!" (because that's the goal, right?). Let's get cooking!

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