If you are craving a heartwarming, creamy, and satisfying meal, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe will be your new favorite comfort food. Packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and a luscious creamy sauce enriched with savory flavors, this dish brings both nostalgia and convenience to your dinner table. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet irresistible enough to become a staple your family keeps asking for. Get ready to enjoy a warm hug in a bowl with every bite of this delightful casserole!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying flavor profile. Each component plays a vital role—from the tender noodles providing the base, to the cream of chicken soup and sour cream giving that signature creamy texture and tang, to the fresh veggies adding a nice pop of color and sweetness.
- 16 ounces dried egg noodles: These noodles offer a soft but firm texture that holds up beautifully in the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 medium onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic: Brings a gentle kick of flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used to soften the onions and garlic, infusing the base with richness.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: The hearty star of the casserole, providing protein and substance.
- 10.75 ounces cream of chicken soup: Creates that irresistible creamy texture all over the noodles and chicken.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and enhances the luscious creaminess of the dish.
- 12 ounces frozen peas and carrots, thawed: Injects freshness, color, and a subtle sweetness for balance.
- 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard: A surprising zing that lifts the overall flavor without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors to life.
- 1 teaspoon cracked pepper: Adds a bit of warmth and complexity.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Noodles
Start by heating your oven to 350°F, which is the perfect temperature to bring everything together without drying it out. While you wait, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until tender but firm. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and transfer them to a large mixing bowl to prepare for the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
While your noodles are cooking, finely dice half a medium onion and mince two cloves of garlic. Melt two tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions until they become soft and translucent—this usually takes about five minutes. Add the minced garlic for the final minute, stirring occasionally, so they soften without burning. These sautéed aromatics add an extra layer of savory goodness that makes the casserole truly shine.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Into the bowl of noodles, mix your softened onions and garlic. Add two cups of cooked, shredded chicken along with a 10.75-ounce can of cream of chicken soup and one cup of sour cream. Fold in 12 ounces of thawed peas and carrots for color and freshness. To brighten up the flavors, stir in two teaspoons of spicy brown mustard, followed by two teaspoons of salt and one teaspoon of cracked pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly so each noodle is coated in that creamy blend and the veggies and chicken are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Transfer this lovely mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout. This step melds the flavors even more and ensures your creamy chicken noodle casserole is served warm and comforting every single time.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To make each serving look as irresistible as it tastes, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. A little extra cracked black pepper or a dusting of paprika can add visual appeal and a touch of flavor contrast. These simple garnishes make the dish feel even more special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. A fresh garden salad with tangy vinaigrette, or saisonal roasted asparagus, broccoli, or cauliflower brings freshness and texture contrasts that round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family gathering or potluck, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy topping. You can also layer the casserole in a clear glass dish to show off the beautiful layers of noodles, veggies, and creamy sauce—perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will deepen and meld nicely overnight, making this a wonderful make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe freezes well before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot and bubbly, or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil to maintain moisture. Adding a splash of broth or cream when reheating can revive the creamy texture if it has thickened during storage.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas and carrots?
Absolutely! Fresh peas and diced carrots work wonderfully if you prefer. Just be sure to lightly steam or sauté them first so they soften nicely in the casserole.
Can this casserole be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the dried egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own creamy base to keep it gluten-free.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Substitute the cooked chicken with hearty veggies like mushrooms or tofu, and replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or vegetable soup for a meatless twist.
What’s the best way to shred the cooked chicken?
The easiest method is to use two forks to pull apart the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can also pulse cooked chicken in a food processor for a finer shred, but be careful not to overdo it.
Can I add cheese to this casserole?
Yes, cheese makes a delicious addition! Stir in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella before baking or sprinkle on top to melt and brown for an extra layer of gooey goodness.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to make, full of comforting flavors, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the busy week ahead. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears — it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your home too!
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Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Chicken Noodle Casserole is a creamy, comforting, and cozy dish perfect for a quick family meal. It features tender egg noodles, shredded chicken, and a flavorful mixture of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and vegetables, all baked to warm perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces dried egg noodles
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces frozen peas and carrots, thawed
Protein
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
Other
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 10.75 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Aromatics: While the noodles cook, dice the onion and mince the garlic for the flavor base.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the bowl with the noodles. Then add the cooked shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, thawed peas and carrots, spicy brown mustard, salt, and cracked pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Spoon the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
Notes
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
- You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables for peas and carrots as desired.
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before baking.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if your soup is already salted.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American