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Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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