Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 3 cups grated cheese into the thickened sauce, allowing it to melt completely and blend smoothly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- 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
