Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This comforting chicken casserole combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce for a satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a great dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups pasta (penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, or Swiss)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Step 2: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
5. Step 5: Gradually add milk and sour cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken.
6. Step 6: Remove sauce from heat and stir in grated cheese until melted and smooth. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
7. Step 7: Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.
8. Step 8: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to the casserole.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier and lighter sauce.
• Try different cheese blends like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist in taste and texture.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to speed up prep time without sacrificing flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To freeze, place the casserole in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly; it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, but you will need to cook the chicken first before adding it to the casserole. Poach, bake, or sauté the chicken until fully cooked, then shred or cut it into pieces.

What pasta works best for this chicken casserole?

Pasta shapes like penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and work best, but you can use other short pasta varieties you have on hand.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 124 reviews

A comforting and creamy Chicken Casserole featuring tender cooked chicken, pasta, and a rich cheese sauce with a hint of spice, baked to bubbly perfection. This recipe combines simple ingredients into a hearty dish perfect for family dinners.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups pasta (penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cups cheese, grated (cheddar, Colby jack, or Swiss)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set it aside to use later.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice (penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni) and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-12 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce Base: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Create Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook the flour and form a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
5. Add Dairy and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and sour cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
6. Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups of the grated cheese until melted and smooth. Add the red pepper flakes, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and bite-sized pieces of cooked chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Assemble Casserole: Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated cheese evenly over the top.
9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
10. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.

Notes

• You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
• For extra flavor, add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers when cooking the onions.
• If you prefer a spicier casserole, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: chicken casserole, baked chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta bake, easy casserole recipe, comfort food