Easy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

Published:

by Emma Taylor

Leave a Comment

Have you ever found yourself yearning for a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite? The Chicken Pasta Casserole is just that—a delightful blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish not only warms your heart but also fills your home with mouthwatering aromas that linger long after the last bite.

Chicken Pasta Casserole
Jump to:

Imagine gathering around the dinner table as this casserole bubbles away in the oven, filling the air with enticing scents. Each forkful offers a symphony of flavors and textures, from the succulent chicken to the gooey cheese topping. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this Chicken Pasta Casserole is sure to impress everyone at your table with its deliciousness. Prepare to indulge in a meal that transforms any ordinary evening into something special!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pasta Casserole

  • Family-Friendly Meal: This casserole is perfect for families as it combines protein, carbs, and veggies all in one dish. Kids and adults alike will enjoy digging into this hearty meal.
  • Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time required, you can have this dish ready to bake in under an hour. It’s an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying.
  • Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out ingredients based on what you have available at home. It’s adaptable to suit various tastes.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Chicken Pasta Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; look for fresh cuts at your local store or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
  • Pasta: Choose your favorite shape—penne or rotini works great—as they hold sauce well while providing a satisfying bite.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: This acts as a rich base for the casserole; opt for low-sodium varieties if you’re watching your salt intake.
  • Shredded Cheese: A combination of cheddar and mozzarella adds both flavor and melty goodness; feel free to adjust based on personal preference.
  • Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Using frozen veggies like peas and carrots saves time; they add color and nutrition without much effort.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Pasta Casserole

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grease a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a pot of boiling salted water, cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup with shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly before adding cooked chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces), frozen mixed vegetables, and drained pasta.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom so every spoonful has equal parts of each ingredient.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes until heated through; remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let it cool slightly before serving. Transfer portions onto plates and enjoy your delightful Chicken Pasta Casserole!

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

  • Use Leftovers Wisely: This casserole is perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken or veggies; just chop them up and mix them in!
  • Add Flavor Boosters: Enhance taste by adding spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning; these small tweaks can make a big difference.
  • Store Leftovers Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; they’ll be good for up to three days—reheat thoroughly before serving!

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Pasta Casserole is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

  • A crisp green salad topped with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
  • Garlic breadsticks to soak up any creamy sauce left on your plate.
  • Steamed broccoli for added nutrition and color on your dinner table.

FAQs

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for my Chicken Pasta Casserole?

Yes! Using leftover chicken is a fantastic way to save time while preparing your Chicken Pasta Casserole. It adds flavor and makes this dish even more convenient. You can shred rotisserie chicken or any other leftover cooked chicken you have available. This will not only enhance the flavor but also make your casserole quicker to prepare.

Is it possible to make Chicken Pasta Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare your Chicken Pasta Casserole ahead of time by assembling all ingredients in the casserole dish but not baking it right away. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven directly from the fridge; you may need to increase baking time by about ten minutes.

What variations can I try for this casserole?

There are plenty of delicious variations you can try with your Chicken Pasta Casserole. Consider adding different vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor. You could also substitute cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup for a different taste profile. For an added crunch, consider topping it with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.

Can I freeze Chicken Pasta Casserole?

Yes! Freezing Chicken Pasta Casserole is an excellent option if you want to meal prep or save leftovers. Allow it to cool completely after baking, then cover tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Conclusion for Chicken Pasta Casserole

The Chicken Pasta Casserole is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying for family dinners or gatherings. With simple ingredients like cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and creamy sauces combined with cheese and veggies, this dish offers comfort food at its finest. Whether you choose to make it ahead or enjoy leftovers later, this casserole caters perfectly to busy lifestyles without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Remember to get creative with variations based on personal preferences and what you have on hand!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chicken Pasta Casserole

Chicken Pasta Casserole


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Emma Taylor
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

Description

Chicken Pasta Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that the whole family will adore. This easy-to-make casserole features tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all brought together with a gooey layer of melted cheese on top. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-dish meal combines protein, carbs, and veggies for a balanced dinner that pleases both kids and adults. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or use up leftovers for even more convenience. With its warm aroma filling your kitchen and a delightful blend of flavors in every bite, Chicken Pasta Casserole is sure to become a staple in your home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  3. Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  5. Let cool slightly before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Next Recipe

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star