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Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe

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.

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

  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