If you’re craving that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and comforting noodles, this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is about to become your go-to favorite. It’s a heartwarming dish that brings together simple ingredients like mushrooms, peas, and rich cheese sauce, all baked to bubbly golden perfection. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a gathering where you want to impress without stress, this casserole has the ideal balance of flavors and textures to make everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in delivering the full cozy experience of the Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. From the tender egg noodles providing the perfect base, to the flavorful cheese sauce that ties everything together, these simple staples are easy to find and come together for maximum comfort.
- 12 ounces extra-wide egg noodles: These noodles offer a hearty texture that holds the sauce beautifully without becoming mushy.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to sauté mushrooms and add a light depth of flavor.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Adds richness to the sauce, vegetables, and crispy topping.
- 10 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and sliced: Provides an earthy, meaty element to enhance the casserole.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and nice bite to balance the creamy sauce.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings aromatic depth and savory notes to the dish.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used as a thickening agent for the creamy cheese sauce.
- 3 cups whole milk: Gives the sauce its luscious, smooth texture.
- 2 cups low-sodium or homemade chicken broth: Adds savory richness and layers of flavor to the sauce.
- 6 ounces American cheese, deli style, roughly chopped: Melts smoothly for creamy, mild cheese flavor.
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Brings a tangy, sharp bite that balances the mild cheese perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile with a subtle garlicky hint.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang that livens up the creamy sauce.
- 4 cups cooked chicken, diced: The star protein that makes this casserole truly satisfying and hearty.
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas: Pops of green color and sweet flavor brighten this dish.
- 20 Ritz crackers, broken into small pieces: Creates a buttery, crunchy topping when tossed with melted butter.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan. Getting your oven ready early is key because this recipe moves quickly once your ingredients are prepared.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil the extra-wide egg noodles in salted water until they are almost al dente, because they will finish cooking in the oven. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss them gently with 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are nicely browned and have released their moisture. This step intensifies the mushrooms’ earthy flavor, making them a rich addition to the casserole. Transfer the mushrooms to the pot with the noodles.
Step 4: Cook the Carrots and Onions
In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter then add chopped carrots and onions. Sauté them until softened and fragrant, which helps unlock their natural sweetness and aroma. Transfer these veggies to the pot with the noodles and mushrooms.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet and whisk in the flour, cooking it for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the whole milk and chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until it thickens into a smooth sauce. Stir in the chopped American cheese and shredded sharp cheddar until melted, then add garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This luxurious sauce is the heart of the Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe, bringing creaminess and tang to every bite.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Pour the cheese sauce over the noodles, mushrooms, carrots, and onions in the pot. Add diced cooked chicken and frozen peas, folding everything gently to make sure it’s mixed well but keeping the ingredients intact. Then transfer the whole mixture into your prepared baking pan, ready for the oven.
Step 7: Add the Crunchy Topping
Melt the remaining butter and drizzle it over the broken Ritz crackers, then sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly on top of the casserole. This topping will bake into a golden, crispy crust that adds a delicious texture contrast.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 15 minutes, until it’s bubbly and the topping is beautifully golden brown. To prevent excessive browning, tent with foil halfway through baking if needed. Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving so it sets up nicely and is easier to portion.
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and fresh vibrancy to the creamy casserole. You could also add a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper right before serving for a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette, which balances its rich, creamy character. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the meal with their earthy notes and satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins sprinkled with extra crispy cracker topping. It works beautifully for dinner parties or potlucks where everyone loves a personal portion. Alternatively, use a brightly colored ceramic baking dish as a centerpiece that makes the creamy colors and textures pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without losing its fantastic flavor or texture.
Freezing
This Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm portions in a microwave until heated through, or place the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to refresh the crispy topping.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this casserole?
Absolutely! While extra-wide egg noodles are ideal for their texture and sauce-holding ability, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even small shells. Just adjust your cooking time so they don’t overcook.
Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds wonderful flavor. Just ensure the chicken is diced into bite-sized pieces for even mixing and serving.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
You can! Simply omit the chicken and increase the mushrooms and peas. Add a little extra cheese or some sautéed tofu for protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Be sure not to overcook the noodles initially since they will continue cooking in the oven. Also, thickening the sauce properly with flour and simmering until it coats the back of a spoon helps keep the casserole creamy without excess liquid.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and bake it later?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes weeknight dinners much easier and the flavors meld beautifully when baked fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is like a warm, comforting hug on a plate — deliciously creamy, packed with tender chicken and vibrant veggies, and topped with a satisfying crunch. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your favorite comfort meals too.
Print
Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole features tender egg noodles tossed with sautéed mushrooms, carrots, onions, and a creamy cheese sauce made with American and sharp cheddar cheese. Finished with diced chicken, peas, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, it’s baked until golden and bubbly for a perfect family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces extra-wide egg noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for tossing noodles)
Vegetables
- 10 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups low-sodium or homemade chicken broth
- 6 ounces American cheese, deli style, rough chopped
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Protein
- 4 cups cooked chicken, diced (about 4 medium chicken breasts or 1 rotisserie chicken)
Topping
- 20 Ritz crackers, broken into small pieces
- Remaining butter melted (from the 8 tablespoons total)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles in salted water until they are just shy of al dente. Drain them well, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and toss them with 1 tablespoon of butter to keep them from sticking.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and tender. Transfer the sautéed mushrooms to the pot with the noodles.
- Cook Carrots and Onions: Melt another tablespoon of butter in the skillet and add chopped carrots and onions. Cook until they have softened and become fragrant, then add them to the noodles and mushrooms.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened. Stir in the American and sharp cheddar cheeses until smooth. Season with garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for depth of flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the noodles and vegetable mixture. Gently fold in the cooked diced chicken and frozen peas, making sure everything is evenly coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish. Melt the remaining butter and drizzle it over the crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole to add a crunchy, buttery crust.
- Bake and Serve: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. To prevent excessive browning, tent the casserole with foil halfway through baking. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to set.
Notes
- Using leftover or rotisserie chicken speeds up preparation and adds flavor.
- Extra-wide egg noodles give a hearty texture, but you can substitute with large pasta shells or penne if preferred.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute whole milk with 2% or use less cheese.
- The cracker topping can be substituted with breadcrumbs for a different crispy crust.
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles during boiling—they will finish cooking in the oven, preventing mushiness.
