Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe. Perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends, this dish brings together tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, creamy sauce, and a cheesy topping for a meal that satisfies the whole family. With simple ingredients and quick prep, it’s a go-to recipe for utilizing leftover or rotisserie chicken. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this comforting delight!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked to al dente
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 21 ounces Campbell’s cream of chicken soup (2 cans, undiluted)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 1 cup french fried onions
- ¾ cup pasta water
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick spray and set it aside.
- Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of well-salted water until they reach al dente texture. Drain them thoroughly and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, pasta water, and ranch seasoning mix until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- To the creamy sauce mixture, add the cooked egg noodles, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, diced chicken, and frozen peas and carrots. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and french fried onions over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole hot and fresh out of the oven for the ultimate comfort meal experience. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for a touch of freshness.
- Leftover Delight: If you happen to have leftovers, fear not! This casserole reheats wonderfully. Simply store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Freezing Option: This casserole also freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep or future dinners. After assembling the casserole but before baking, tightly wrap the dish in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and contents before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- Customization Ideas: Get creative with this recipe by customizing it to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different cheese varieties such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, or add in your favorite vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for an extra nutritional boost. You can also swap the ranch seasoning mix for Italian seasoning or Cajun seasoning for a flavor twist.
- Meal Prep Tip: Save time on busy weeknights by prepping components of this casserole in advance. Cook and shred the chicken ahead of time, or even assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking. Store the prepared components separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake, then simply assemble and bake as directed for a hassle-free dinner.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Twist: For a meat-free version, omit the chicken and replace it with an extra cup of frozen vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also add protein-rich alternatives like tofu or chickpeas for added texture and flavor.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Experiment with different cheese combinations to elevate the cheesy goodness of this casserole. Try adding Swiss cheese, Gruyère, or pepper jack for a bold and melty twist. For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a kick of heat to your casserole by incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the creamy sauce mixture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking for an added burst of spice.
- Herb Infusion: Elevate the flavor profile of this dish by incorporating fresh herbs or dried herb blends. Stir in chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or basil into the creamy sauce mixture for a burst of freshness. Alternatively, sprinkle dried Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence over the top before baking for a savory herb-infused casserole.
- Healthier Options: For a lighter version, swap out the canned cream of chicken soup for a homemade or low-sodium version. Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free egg noodles for a healthier alternative. You can also use Greek yogurt or a combination of milk and flour as a thickener for the sauce to reduce the calorie and fat content.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Give this casserole a Tex-Mex flair by adding ingredients like black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning. Top with crushed tortilla chips or sliced avocado before serving for a deliciously unique twist on a classic comfort dish.
- Mushroom Magic: Enhance the earthy flavor of this casserole by adding sautéed mushrooms to the creamy sauce mixture. Use a mix of your favorite mushrooms such as cremini, button, or shiitake for a rich and hearty variation. You can also sprinkle some crispy fried shallots or garlic on top for an extra layer of flavor.
FAQs:
- Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be used in this recipe. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and sauté them lightly before adding them to the casserole mixture.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can experiment with different pasta shapes if you prefer. Rotini, penne, or even bowtie pasta can work well in this casserole.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Simply portion out any leftovers into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I substitute the evaporated milk with regular milk? Yes, you can substitute regular milk for evaporated milk if needed. However, keep in mind that evaporated milk adds a creamier texture to the sauce, so the final result may be slightly different.
In just 40 minutes, you can treat your family to a deliciously satisfying meal with this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole. Packed with flavor and comfort, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the simplicity and heartiness of this dish, perfect for any occasion!
