There is nothing quite like a bubbling dish of cheesy pasta and tender chicken to fix a rough day. This Cheesy Chicken Casserole is the definition of comfort food creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
It is a lifesaver for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly and uses pantry staples you likely already have. Whether you are a busy parent looking for a kid-approved meal or simply craving a hearty dinner, this dish delivers every time.
Tested & Approved
We take our recipes seriously. This Cheesy Chicken Casserole has been rigorously tested in our kitchen and approved by the Roz Recipes Team. We tweaked the sauce ratios three times to ensure it stays creamy without getting oily, guaranteeing a perfect result for your family.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- Pasta: 1 lb (16 oz) Rotini or Penne pasta (cooked al dente).
- Chicken: 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (Rotisserie chicken works great).
- Soup Base: 2 cans (10.5 oz each) Cream of Chicken Soup.
- Dairy: 1 cup Sour Cream and ½ cup Milk.
- Seasoning: 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp Onion Powder, ½ tsp Smoked Paprika, Salt and Black Pepper to taste.
- Cheese: 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded) and 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded).
- Topping (Optional): ½ cup Beef Bacon (crisped and crumbled) or chopped fresh parsley.
- Butter: 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted) mixed with ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs for a crunch.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little butter.
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions, but drain it 1 minute before it is fully done (it will finish cooking in the oven).
- Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and half of the cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle the buttered Panko breadcrumbs over the cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving (this helps the sauce thicken up). Garnish with crispy beef bacon or parsley if desired.
Tips, Variations & Storage
- Vegetable Add-ins: Boost the nutrition by adding 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets or frozen peas into the mixture before baking.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free (or make a homemade roux with cornstarch).
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole completely but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked or unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before heating.
FAQ
Can I use raw chicken for this casserole? It is best not to put raw chicken directly into the casserole as it releases water while cooking, which can make the sauce runny. Always cook your chicken (poached, baked, or pan-seared) before mixing it in.
Why is my casserole dry? This usually happens if the pasta absorbed too much liquid. Be sure not to overcook the pasta during the boiling stage, and don’t skip the sour cream—it keeps the dish moist.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy Pepper Jack (for a kick) work beautifully in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 22 g
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Casserole recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy families who need a hearty win at the dinner table. It’s a “stick-to-your-ribs” meal that never disappoints. Give it a try tonight and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
