Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Comforting: The combination of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and melted mozzarella creates a rich and cozy dish.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different vegetables or cheeses based on your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both adults and children, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Great for Leftovers: A delicious way to use up ingredients you already have in the fridge.
- Simple Preparation: Requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Egg noodles
- Cooked chicken, diced
- Frozen mixed vegetables
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Onion, chopped
- Butter
- Bread crumbs (for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, chicken, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and sautéed onions. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Use fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or peas instead of frozen ones.
- Crunchy Topping: Instead of bread crumbs, try crushed Ritz crackers or French-fried onions for a crispy finish.
- Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or Italian seasoning for a deeper flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole (before or after baking) for up to 2 months. If freezing before baking, thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie will work well.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
3. What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk.
4. Can I add more protein?
Absolutely! Try adding cooked bacon, sausage, or even extra chicken for a heartier meal.
5. How can I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat noodles, reduced-fat cheese, and a lighter sour cream or Greek yogurt.
6. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free thickener in place of the canned soup.
7. What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover loosely with foil while baking, and add a splash of milk if reheating.
8. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, just sauté them slightly before mixing them in.
9. How do I get a crispier topping?
Use panko bread crumbs mixed with melted butter or add crushed crackers on top.
10. Can I add a little spice to this dish?
Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken & Noodle Casserole is the perfect comfort food that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re using up leftovers or making it from scratch, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Try it today and enjoy a warm, delicious dinner with minimal effort!
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Creamy Chicken & Noodle Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Creamy Chicken & Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender egg noodles, juicy chicken, and mixed vegetables in a rich, cheesy sauce. Topped with buttery breadcrumbs, this easy and delicious dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a weeknight favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter (plus more for topping)
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Boil egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté chopped onions until softened.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, chicken, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and sautéed onions. Stir well.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Mix bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cheese Options: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Swap frozen vegetables for fresh bell peppers, broccoli, or peas.
- Crunchy Topping: Use crushed Ritz crackers or French-fried onions instead of breadcrumbs.
- Extra Flavor: Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for a boost.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
