Name: Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces rotini pasta; 3 cups broccoli florets (cut into bite-size pieces); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup chopped yellow onion; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 ½ cups whole milk; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 2 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken breast; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 ounces, divided)

If you’ve been craving a cozy, comforting meal that comes together without any fuss, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. I love this because it’s packed with tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and hearty noodles, all bridged by a luscious homemade cream sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making a family dinner or want an easy dish to impress guests, this casserole hits all the right notes with minimal effort. Keep reading—I’ll share all my tips to make sure your casserole comes out bubbly, flavorful, and downright irresistible!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in Every Bite: A creamy, cheesy noodle casserole that melts in your mouth, perfect for chilly nights.
Simple, Familiar Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and everyday veggies, making it easy to pull together anytime.
Family Favorite: My kids and guests always ask for seconds, and it’s great for feeding a crowd.
Versatility: Easily adaptable with different veggies, cheeses, or even leftover chicken.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a serving of rotini pasta mixed with chunks of cooked chicken, bright green broccoli florets, and melted yellow cheese drizzled unevenly over the top. The pasta spirals are pale cream and slightly glossy, nestled closely with tender pieces of chicken and small green broccoli heads, all lightly sprinkled with small bits of fresh green herbs. A silver fork rests partially on the right edge of the plate, with its tines touching some pasta. There is a gray cloth napkin in the lower right corner and a partial view of another white plate and a glass baking dish in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole, chicken noodle casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, creamy chicken noodle bake, simple chicken casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

The combination of rotini pasta, fresh broccoli, and cheddar cheese creates a casserole that’s hearty yet fresh. Each ingredient brings its own texture and flavor, and the homemade cream sauce pulls it all together beautifully. When shopping, pick up good-quality chicken and sharp cheddar for the best flavor.

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked rotini pasta spirals, fresh bright green broccoli florets cut into bite-size pieces, three glossy unsalted butter cubes, a small mound of finely chopped yellow onion, a small heap of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale golden chicken broth, another small white ceramic bowl holding creamy whole milk, a tiny white ceramic bowl with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a separate tiny white ceramic bowl containing fine garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt crystals, another small white ceramic bowl with ground black pepper, bite-size pieces of cooked chicken breast arranged naturally, and a neat pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole, chicken noodle casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, creamy chicken noodle bake, simple chicken casserole

Rotini pasta: I like rotini because its spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce so well, but any short pasta works.
Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli gives a nice pop of color and a little crunch if you don’t overcook it.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted gives you better control over the recipe’s saltiness.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened—don’t skip it!
All-purpose flour: This thickens the sauce perfectly without clumping when whisked properly.
Low sodium chicken broth: Using low sodium lets you better balance seasoning later.
Whole milk: Makes the sauce creamy and rich—can’t beat it for that classic comfort.
Italian seasoning: A fragrance boost with herbs that bring the dish to life.
Garlic powder: Adds just the right hint of savory warmth without overpowering.
Salt and pepper: The classic seasoning duo—you’ll want to taste as you go here!
Cooked chicken breast: Perfect for leftover chicken; just make sure it’s chopped bite-size for even mixing.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for melty, bold flavor—half goes inside the sauce, half on top for that golden crust.

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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

I’m all about making recipes fit whatever you have on hand or dietary preferences, so feel free to customize this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. It’s surprisingly forgiving, which is perfect if you love mixing things up in the kitchen!

Adding Mushrooms: I once tossed in sautéed mushrooms, and the earthy flavor added great depth—definitely worth a try if you love fungi.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap milk for almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cheese; the sauce still turns out creamy without dairy.
Chicken Alternatives: Turkey or rotisserie chicken works beautifully too, especially if you want a shortcut.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add peas, carrots, or even spinach to boost nutrition and color.

How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Broccoli to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, and add your rotini pasta first. When there’s about 2 minutes left on the pasta’s cooking time, toss in the broccoli florets so they cook just enough without turning mushy. The goal is tender but still bright and slightly crisp broccoli. Once done, drain everything and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and keep that vibrant green color. This little trick makes all the difference in texture!

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the diced yellow onion. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step—soft onions build amazing flavor. Next, sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly for 30 seconds to cook off the raw taste. Then slowly pour in chicken broth and milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Watching the sauce thicken is always satisfying—I love seeing it get velvety and smooth!

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the cooked chicken, pasta and broccoli mixture, and half the cheddar cheese. Give it a gentle but thorough mix so everything is evenly coated in that buttery sauce. Transfer this deliciousness into a 13×9-inch baking dish—spread into an even layer, then top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the casserole with foil (this keeps it nice and moist) and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5 minutes to get that cheese bubbly and golden. If you’re anything like me, that sizzling, melty cheese moment is the best part!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Make sure to cook pasta just to al dente because it will keep cooking in the oven and you don’t want mushy noodles.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that stop it from melting smoothly; I learned this the hard way!
Even Broccoli Size: Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces so it cooks evenly with the pasta and blends well in every forkful.
Cover While Baking: Keeping the casserole covered for most of the baking time avoids drying out, then uncover to get that perfect cheese crust.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of pasta made with spiral-shaped noodles mixed with chunks of light-colored cooked chicken and small, bright green broccoli florets, all coated in a creamy light yellow cheese sauce with a slightly shiny texture; the dish is placed on a white marbled surface next to a partially visible glass baking dish filled with more pasta, a small bunch of fresh parsley with deep green leaves, and a folded light gray cloth napkin holding three metal forks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole, chicken noodle casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, creamy chicken noodle bake, simple chicken casserole

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or even a pinch of chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a fresh pop of color and flavor. A light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes also works wonders if you enjoy a little heat.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted garlic green beans. I’ve even served it alongside buttery dinner rolls for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I sometimes assemble individual portions in small ramekins for a special dinner or potluck. Topping each with a bit of extra cheese and broiling for a minute creates irresistible little personal casseroles that look fancy but are so easy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover casserole tightly covered in the fridge and it keeps well for up to 3 days. I always try to let it cool to room temperature before refrigeration to keep the sauce texture just right.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. I recommend freezing in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until warm and bubbly.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the casserole moist and prevents the cheese on top from drying out. Microwave works in a pinch but I prefer that oven warmth for better texture.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes in this casserole?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding sauce, other short pasta shapes like penne, elbow macaroni, or shells work just as well. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente since it will bake further in the casserole.
Is there a way to make this casserole lighter or healthier?

Definitely! You can swap whole milk for 2% or even unsweetened almond milk, use reduced-fat cheese, and increase the veggies like adding more broccoli or tossing in spinach. Using skinless chicken breast keeps it lean, too.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to eat, bake it covered then uncovered as directed. This makes it great for busy weeknights or entertaining.
What’s the best way to avoid a watery casserole?

Using the right amount of sauce and draining the pasta well helps prevent excess moisture. Also, rinse the pasta and broccoli with cold water after cooking to stop them from overcooking and releasing water during baking.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen because it brings together comforting flavors in a simple, approachable way. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home, but also impresses because it tastes like you spent hours making it. I hope you try it soon, and when you do, remember those little tips and tricks I shared here—they’ll help you create your own perfect version. Trust me, once you make this casserole, it’ll probably become your go-to dinner too!