Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender chicken, pasta, and a rich cheese sauce, it’s both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups cooked and drained pasta (about 2 cups uncooked; penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni work best)
• 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, Swiss, or a combination), with 1/2 cup reserved for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add the milk and sour cream, whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked chicken, pasta, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the sauce, tossing everything together until evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions and garlic.
• Use a mix of cheeses to create a more complex taste and texture.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Leftover casserole can be sprinkled with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for a fresh touch.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and cook the chicken before adding it to the recipe to ensure even cooking and safety.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Short pasta shapes like penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and provide a great texture balance in the casserole.

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 146 reviews

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is a comforting and cheesy baked dish combining tender cooked chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. With the addition of sautéed onions, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes for mild heat, this casserole bakes to golden perfection, making it a delicious and hearty meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Pasta

• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups cooked and drained pasta (approximately 2 cups uncooked; penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni recommended)

Sauce

• 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, Swiss, or a combination), with 1/2 cup reserved for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Make Roux and Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and sour cream, continuing to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Cheese: Stir in 3 cups grated cheese into the thickened sauce, allowing it to melt completely and blend smoothly.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the cheesy sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Notes

• For best results, use a combination of cheeses like cheddar and Swiss for a balanced flavor and meltability.
• You can use any cooked pasta, but sturdy shapes like penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi hold up well in casseroles.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
• Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy chicken pasta bake, baked chicken pasta, Paula Deen recipe, comfort food casserole