Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this soul-warming Chicken Casserole that brings families together around a hearty, creamy masterpiece. Layers of tender chicken, rich sauce, and golden-brown cheese create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Dairy and Sauce Components:
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
- Whisk cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Fold cooked pasta and shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring every ingredient is thoroughly coated.
- Grease a baking dish and carefully pour the combined mixture, using a spatula to distribute evenly across the surface.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire casserole, creating a complete coverage.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling texture and fully melted cheese.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the casserole to set and cool slightly.
- Optional: Garnish with crispy fried onions just before serving to add a delightful crunchy texture.
- Serve hot, directly from the baking dish, for maximum flavor and creamy consistency.
Notes
- Customize the protein by swapping chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Use gluten-free pasta and cream of chicken soup to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising flavor.
- Boost nutrition by adding frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and broccoli directly into the casserole mixture for extra color and vitamins.
- Prep ahead by cooking chicken and pasta in advance, then assembling the casserole quickly during busy weeknights, saving precious time and reducing stress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg