Cheesy Chicken Casserole

This Cheesy Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food made simple. Tender pasta shells, juicy chicken, and mild green chiles are wrapped in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s an easy, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. With pantry-friendly ingredients and endless customization options, this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 3 cups medium shell pasta, uncooked
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1/3 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 1/3 cups milk
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces canned mild green chiles
• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
• Cook pasta shells al dente according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onion and red bell pepper until tender, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in seasoned salt and chili powder.
• In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, milk, onion mixture, 2 cups cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
• Add cooked chicken, pasta, and green chiles; stir to combine evenly.
• Spread mixture into prepared casserole dish.
• Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Add garlic bread or dinner rolls for an extra comforting dinner.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions until warmed through.
• This casserole can be frozen (before or after baking) for up to 2 months.

Variations

1. Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole – Add 2 cups steamed broccoli florets.
2. Mexican-Style Chicken Casserole – Use pepper jack cheese and add black beans and corn.
3. Buffalo Chicken Casserole – Stir in 1/4 cup buffalo sauce and use mozzarella.
4. Bacon Cheddar Chicken Casserole – Add 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon.
5. Creamy Ranch Chicken Casserole – Mix in 1 packet ranch seasoning.
6. Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Casserole – Add diced jalapeños for heat.
7. Mushroom Chicken Casserole – Stir in sautéed mushrooms.
8. Rotisserie Chicken Version – Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
9. Alfredo Chicken Casserole – Replace soup with Alfredo sauce.
10. Taco Chicken Casserole – Swap chili powder for taco seasoning.
11. Spinach Chicken Casserole – Add 1 cup chopped spinach for a veggie boost.
12. Italian Chicken Casserole – Add Italian seasoning and mozzarella cheese.
13. Low-Carb Version – Replace pasta with cauliflower florets.
14. Extra Creamy Version – Add 4 oz cream cheese to the sauce.
15. Crunchy Topping Version – Top with crushed Ritz crackers mixed with butter.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
2. Can I use a different pasta shape?
   Yes, rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work well.
3. Can I use leftover chicken?
   Absolutely, leftover or rotisserie chicken is perfect.
4. Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
   Yes, freeze tightly covered for up to 2 months.
5. Can I make it without green chiles?
   Yes, simply omit them if you prefer no heat.
6. What cheese works best?
   Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but Colby Jack or Monterey Jack also work.
7. How do I prevent it from drying out?
   Do not overbake and cover loosely with foil if needed.
8. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free cream soup.
9. Can I add vegetables?
   Yes, broccoli, peas, spinach, or carrots are great additions.
10. How do I reheat leftovers?
    Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave until hot.

Cheesy Chicken Casserole is a classic, no-fail dinner recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, it’s a dish the whole family will request again and again. Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, it tastes just as delicious.

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