Description
Hearty chicken noodle casserole brings comfort and warmth to family dinner tables across America. Creamy pasta layers combine with tender chicken, creating a satisfying meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Supplementary Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare egg noodles according to package guidance, ensuring they are perfectly al dente, then thoroughly drain in a colander.
- Create a robust filling by whisking together shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, and smooth milk in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Incorporate shredded cheese, tender peas and carrots, plus a delicate blend of salt and pepper into the creamy mixture.
- Gently fold the cooked noodles into the mixture, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the rich sauce.
- Carefully transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- For added crunch, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle this golden topping across the casserole surface.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top transforms into a crispy, golden-brown crust and the interior bubbles with savory promise.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve piping hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Swap chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery to create different flavor profiles and accommodate dietary preferences.
- Use gluten-free egg noodles or pasta alternatives like zucchini noodles for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Consider adding Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce fat content and boost protein while maintaining creamy texture.
- Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors to the casserole.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg