There is nothing quite like a comforting, hearty dish to bring everyone together like this Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. Imagine tender chunks of chicken nestled among perfectly cooked egg noodles, all blanketed in a velvety cheese sauce studded with mushrooms, carrots, and peas. Topped with a buttery, golden Ritz cracker crust, this casserole hits every note of warmth, creaminess, and satisfying crunch. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or cozy weekend meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from adding creamy texture and rich flavor to popping in little bursts of freshness and crunch. Here’s what you’ll gather to create this soul-soothing casserole.
- Extra-wide egg noodles: Their broad shape holds onto that luscious sauce better than you can imagine.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance every bite.
- Olive oil: A light cooking fat that helps soften vegetables without overpowering flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Used twice—for sautéing and topping—to infuse richness throughout the dish.
- Mushrooms: Add earthiness and a tender, meaty bite that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Carrots: Provide a subtle sweetness and vibrant color contrast to the creamy mixture.
- Onion: Builds a flavorful aromatic base that soaks into every mouthful.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening secret behind that irresistible creamy sauce.
- Whole milk: Keeps the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.
- Chicken broth: Enhances savory depth making the sauce more complex and tasty.
- American cheese: Melts easily for a smooth creaminess with a mild flavor.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds just the right tang and sharpness for balance.
- Garlic powder: A subtle punch of garlicky warmth that lingers delightfully.
- Dijon mustard: A tiny twist that elevates the flavor with gentle sharpness.
- Cooked chicken: The hearty star protein, tender and ready to soak up all those flavors.
- Frozen peas: Sweet pops of color and freshness to brighten the rich base.
- Ritz crackers: Crumbled and mixed with butter to create the unbeatable crunchy topping.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Get Oven and Noodles Ready
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when your casserole is ready to bake. Cook the extra-wide egg noodles according to the package, ensuring they’re just tender but not mushy. Drain well and season lightly with salt and pepper, then set them aside to await their cheesy destiny.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, warm olive oil together with half the butter over medium heat. Toss in the mushrooms, carrots, and onion, sautéing until tender and fragrant — about 7 to 8 minutes. This creates a flavorful, aromatic foundation packed with texture and color that will spread throughout your casserole.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly for a couple of minutes to cook out the raw taste and form a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to thicken and bubble gently for five minutes. This luscious sauce is the heart of your casserole, so stir patiently to develop that creamy magic.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Once your sauce is thick and creamy, fold in the chopped American cheese and shredded sharp cheddar. Stir until everything melts into a velvety smooth sauce with a perfect balance of mild and tangy notes. Then season with garlic powder and Dijon mustard for an exciting depth that ties every ingredient together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Peas
Toss in your cooked chicken and frozen peas, stirring just enough to marry them into the cheesy sauce without breaking the peas’ fresh snap. This combination turns the sauce into a hearty, protein-rich filling that feels indulgent but wholesome.
Step 6: Mix in Egg Noodles and Prepare to Bake
Gently fold the cooked egg noodles into the sauce until every strand is enveloped in creamy deliciousness. Pour the entire mixture into a buttered 9×13-inch casserole dish, smoothing it out so the topping can be evenly distributed later.
Step 7: Add the Cracker Topping and Bake
In a small bowl, melt the remaining butter and toss it with the broken Ritz crackers until each crumb is glossy with butter. Sprinkle this buttery, crispy topping evenly over the casserole for that irresistible golden crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and beautifully browned on top.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes once out of the oven so it sets up a bit. This makes serving cleaner and allows the flavors to marry perfectly. Then dig in and enjoy every creamy, comforting spoonful!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper can lift the casserole visually and add subtle bursts of fresh flavor. A little color and aroma on top make the dish feel even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines boldly on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Roasted broccoli, green beans, or a refreshing cucumber salad add textural contrast and lighten the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or hollow out a bread bowl for rustic flair. You could even layer the casserole in a clear glass casserole dish to show off its colorful layers, turning every serving into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers just as satisfying—maybe even better!
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before baking or after it has cooled post-baking. Wrap securely with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which retains the crispy topping better than a microwave. If microwaving, cover loosely and reheat in 1-2 minute bursts to avoid drying out the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles for this casserole?
Yes! While extra-wide egg noodles are traditional for the Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe, you can substitute other short pasta shapes like rotini or penne. Just be sure to adjust cooking times so they remain al dente and don’t become mushy after baking.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken and substitute with hearty vegetables like extra mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, or cooked lentils to keep the creamy texture and satisfy your cravings without meat.
Can I use shredded cheese instead of chopped American cheese?
You can, but American cheese melts uniquely smoothly, which helps create that signature creamy texture. Use processed cheese slices torn into pieces or a similar melty cheese if you can’t find deli-style American cheese for the closest flavor and mouthfeel.
How do I ensure the topping stays crunchy after baking?
Make sure the butter coats the Ritz cracker crumbs thoroughly before sprinkling on top. Baking uncovered allows moisture to escape, keeping the topping golden and crisp. Letting the casserole rest briefly before serving also helps preserve that satisfying crunch.
Can I prepare this casserole entirely ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole (except the cracker topping) a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Add the buttered cracker topping just before baking to ensure it stays crisp and golden. This makes it perfect for busy days or entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that radiates warmth, comfort, and that “home-cooked” feeling, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is a must-try. It’s one of those classics that feels special every single time you make it, whether for a busy weeknight or an intimate gathering. Dive in and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness topped with a buttery crunch—you’ll be coming back for seconds, guaranteed!
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Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole combines tender chunks of chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and classic vegetables with wide egg noodles, all topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, this hearty casserole bakes to golden perfection and delivers warm, savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces extra-wide egg noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 10 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas
Fats & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Sauce & Cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups low-sodium or homemade chicken broth
- 6 ounces American cheese, deli style, rough chopped
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Protein
- 4 cups cooked chicken, diced (about 4 medium chicken breasts or 1 rotisserie chicken)
Topping
- 20 Ritz crackers, broken into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms, carrots, and onion, and sauté for 7-8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Make Sauce: Slowly pour in the whole milk and chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in chopped American cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard, continuing to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Combine Chicken and Peas: Mix the cooked diced chicken and frozen peas into the cheese sauce until evenly incorporated.
- Add Noodles: Stir the cooked egg noodles into the chicken and sauce mixture, ensuring all components are well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour and spread the entire noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for even baking.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and combine with broken Ritz crackers. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole’s surface.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set for easier portioning and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for cooked chicken breasts to save time.
- For a creamier texture, use full-fat milk as specified; skim milk may make the sauce thinner.
- Feel free to add herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor.
- Make sure to cook noodles just until al dente to avoid them becoming mushy after baking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
