Comforting Delight: Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Dive into a warm, comforting dish that encapsulates the essence of home-cooked goodness—Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole. This hearty casserole combines tender egg noodles, succulent chicken, and a creamy sauce enriched with a blend of savory soups and cheeses. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, this dish is a family favorite that brings joy to the dinner table. Join us as we explore the art of creating this timeless classic, perfect for cozy nights in and sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound egg noodles
- 2-3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 1 (14 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.75 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (16 oz.) bag frozen peas and carrots
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/3 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Egg Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese. Season with garlic salt, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked egg noodles followed by half of the cubed chicken and half of the frozen peas and carrots. Pour half of the sauce mixture over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, chicken, vegetables, and sauce.
- Top with Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix together the seasoned Italian breadcrumbs and melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake and Serve: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to customize this casserole by adding additional vegetables such as diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Simply sauté the vegetables until tender before adding them to the casserole.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and use it in place of cubed chicken in the recipe.
- Make it Spicy: Add a kick of heat to the casserole by mixing in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are adaptations to make the Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe keto-friendly:
- Noodle Substitute: Replace the egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles to reduce the carb content of the dish. Simply sauté the zoodles or shirataki noodles in a skillet until tender before adding them to the casserole.
- Creamy Sauce Modification: Use a combination of heavy cream and cream cheese or sour cream instead of condensed soups to create a keto-friendly creamy sauce. Add herbs and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for extra flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda to customize the flavor of the casserole. Opt for full-fat cheeses to keep it keto-friendly.
In conclusion, Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that never fails to satisfy. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
So, gather your ingredients and indulge in the comforting goodness of Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole. With its simple preparation and delicious flavor, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation
Additional Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish the Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. This simple addition adds a touch of brightness to the dish and elevates its presentation.
- Pair with Salad: Serve the casserole alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or creamy ranch dressing. The fresh salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness of the casserole and adds variety to the meal.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: Accompany the Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole with slices of garlic bread or dinner rolls for a complete and satisfying meal. The warm, buttery bread complements the flavors of the casserole and is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Make Ahead for Busy Days: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake according to the recipe instructions.
Healthier Modifications:
- Use Whole Wheat Noodles: For a healthier twist, substitute whole wheat egg noodles for the traditional white egg noodles. Whole wheat noodles are higher in fiber and nutrients, making them a nutritious option for those looking to boost their intake of whole grains.
- Reduce the Sodium: To lower the sodium content of the casserole, opt for low-sodium or reduced-sodium cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups. You can also omit the added salt or use a salt-free seasoning blend to season the dish.
- Incorporate More Vegetables: Increase the nutritional value of the casserole by adding extra vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or kale. Simply steam or sauté the vegetables until tender and mix them into the casserole along with the other ingredients.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a timeless classic that never fails to bring comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables, it’s a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or served at a special gathering, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
So, why wait? Treat yourself and your loved ones to the comforting warmth of Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole today. With its delicious flavor and simple preparation, it’s the perfect meal to enjoy any time of year.
Experience the Comforting Goodness of Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Now!
