Looking for a delicious family meal that’s quick and comforting? Try this Chicken Noodle Casserole! Packed with tender chicken, rotini pasta, fresh veggies, and a creamy sauce, this dish is as easy to make as it is tasty. Perfect for any night of the week, you'll love the golden, crunchy topping.
2 cups cooked rotini pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
![- Chicken and Pasta Components - 2 cups cooked rotini pasta - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - Sauce Ingredients - 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup - 1 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Topping and Seasoning - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping) - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons butter, melted This chicken noodle casserole is simple yet full of flavor. You need basic items like pasta and chicken, along with some tasty veggies. Broccoli and carrots add color and crunch. The creamy sauce blends everything perfectly. You can use leftover chicken for ease. For the topping, panko breadcrumbs add a nice crunch. Don’t skip the melted butter; it makes the topping golden and crisp. I always recommend using quality cheese. It enhances the taste. Cheddar is great here, but feel free to mix in your favorite cheese. Gather these ingredients to create a cozy dish that everyone will love. Check the [Full Recipe] for more details. - Preheating the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for an even bake. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with a little butter or cooking spray. - Cooking the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Creating the Sauce: In a big mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. This creamy sauce is the heart of the dish. - Mixing the Casserole: Add the cooked chicken, pasta, broccoli florets, and shredded carrots to the sauce in the bowl. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are coated in the sauce. - Transferring to the Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. This ensures even cooking and helps the flavors blend well. - Addition of Cheese and Topping: Sprinkle the cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Then, sprinkle this mixture on top of the cheese. This gives your casserole a nice crunchy topping. - Baking Time and Temperature: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and bubbling. - Cooling and Serving Tips: When it is done, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set up better. Serve it hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of your Chicken Noodle Casserole. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. Recommended Cooking Times Bake your casserole at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes. Check for a golden top. If it needs more time, add five-minute intervals until done. Ingredient Substitutions You can swap rotini pasta for egg noodles if you prefer. Use any cooked chicken you have, like rotisserie chicken. For a creamier mix, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream. Flavor Enhancements Add herbs like rosemary or basil for more depth. Try a splash of lemon juice for brightness. If you want more heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper works well. Pairing Ideas Serve your casserole with a fresh green salad. A light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors. Garlic bread also makes a tasty side. Presentation Tips Garnish your casserole with chopped parsley for color. Use a nice serving dish to make it look special. For a fun touch, offer a variety of hot sauces on the side to let guests customize their meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can make this chicken noodle casserole gluten-free with a few easy swaps. Use gluten-free rotini pasta instead of regular pasta. Check the labels on the cream of chicken soup and sour cream to ensure they are gluten-free. You can find gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping as well. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas or tofu. You can mix in more veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers, for protein and taste. Use vegetable soup instead of cream of chicken soup to keep it creamy. Feel free to get creative with veggies! You can add peas, corn, or even spinach. Each vegetable brings its own flavor and texture. Mixing different colors also makes the dish more appealing. While cheddar cheese is classic, try mixing in mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan on top before baking for a rich taste. Each cheese adds a new layer of flavor to your casserole. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above! When you have leftover chicken noodle casserole, proper storage keeps it fresh. Here’s how to store it: - Refrigeration Tips: Let the casserole cool before putting it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it from drying out. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. - Freezing Instructions: If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s cooled completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. For best results, label with the date. When it's time to enjoy your casserole again, reheating is easy: - Best Methods for Reheating: The oven is the best way. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to heat evenly. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry, but the oven keeps it crisp. - Maintaining Flavor and Texture: To keep the flavors strong, avoid reheating too much. Check it often so it does not dry out. If it seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or a little sour cream before heating. This keeps it creamy and delicious. This chicken noodle casserole is a great make-ahead meal. Enjoy the leftovers just as much as the first serving! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. How do I thicken the casserole? To thicken your Chicken Noodle Casserole, you can add more cheese or use cream cheese. Another option is to mix in a bit of flour or cornstarch with your sauce. This will help create a thicker, creamier texture. Can I prepare it in advance? Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Just mix the ingredients, place them in the baking dish, and cover with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed. What sides pair well with Chicken Noodle Casserole? Great sides include a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. These options balance the rich flavors of the casserole and add freshness to your meal. Can I use leftover chicken? Absolutely! Leftover chicken works great in this dish. Just shred it and mix it into the casserole. This is an easy way to use up extra chicken while saving time. How can I make it spicier? To add some heat, try including diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce in the mix. You can also use spicy cheese, like pepper jack, for a flavorful kick. Is there a way to make it lower in calories? Yes, you can lower the calories by using low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese. You can also swap out the rotini pasta for whole wheat or veggie noodles for a healthier option. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious chicken noodle casserole. We looked at all the ingredients, from chicken and pasta to sauces and toppings. I shared step-by-step instructions, easy tips, and various ways to adapt the recipe. Now, you can create a tasty dish that fits your tastes. Remember, cooking is about experimenting and having fun. Enjoy diving into this recipe and sharing it with others!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/d819fb9e-940a-41e4-bf84-9a03b7eaac4d-250x250.webp)