Creamy, comforting, and loaded with tender chicken and hearty noodles, this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a quick and satisfying solution for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and just 40 minutes from start to finish, this dish is as delicious as it is convenient.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a family favorite that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with hearty noodles and chicken.
Perfect for using up leftover chicken or turkey.
Customizable with your favorite vegetables or toppings.
Ready in under an hour, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners.
Freezer-friendly, so you can prepare it ahead for busy days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 cups cooked egg noodles
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
1 cup sour cream
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup crushed buttery crackers (optional topping)
2 tablespoons melted butter (optional topping)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, peas and carrots, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
If using the optional topping, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter, then sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
Protein Options: Swap out chicken for leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even canned tuna.
Vegetables: Add broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Freezing: To freeze, assemble the casserole without the cracker topping, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the topping before baking straight from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes.
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FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add the topping just before baking for the best texture.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or even bowtie pasta can be used in place of egg noodles.
How can I make this casserole healthier?
Use low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and a lighter version of cream of chicken soup. Add extra vegetables for more fiber and nutrients.
What can I use instead of crackers for the topping?
Breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips work well as an alternative. You can also skip the topping entirely for a simpler dish.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Assemble it without the topping and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the topping before baking directly from frozen.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Its creamy, cheesy base and customizable toppings make it a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or starting from scratch, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Creamy and comforting, this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole combines tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a cheesy, flavorful sauce for the ultimate weeknight dinner. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy families and customizable with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked egg noodles
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup crushed buttery crackers (optional topping)
2 tablespoons melted butter (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine egg noodles, chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, peas and carrots, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- If using the topping, mix crushed buttery crackers with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Swap chicken for turkey or canned tuna for variety.
Add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
Use gluten-free ingredients for a gluten-free version.
Freeze without the topping for up to 2 months; bake from frozen for 45-50 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
