Oh, the humble casserole! It’s been the unsung hero of countless weeknight dinners, potlucks, and cozy family gatherings. But let’s be real, some casseroles can be a bit… heavy. Enter our star today: the Chicken Noodle Casserole that’s here to change your mind about comfort food. This isn’t your grandma’s overly rich, calorie-laden dish (though we love grandma’s cooking!). This is a lighter, brighter, yet still incredibly satisfying version that delivers all the warmth and flavor you crave without the guilt. Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to devour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re searching for that perfect weeknight dinner solution, look no further. This Chicken Noodle Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary hug that’s packed with flavor, ease, and wholesome goodness. Here are four irresistible reasons why this recipe will become a permanent fixture in your kitchen rotation:

It’s the Ultimate Healthy Comfort Food: Who says comfort food can’t be good for you? This Chicken Noodle Casserole strikes a delightful balance, offering the creamy, savory satisfaction you crave, but with thoughtful ingredient choices like whole wheat noodles and lean chicken. It’s hearty without being heavy, making it a meal you can feel genuinely good about serving your family.
Effortlessly Easy & Quick: Life is busy, and dinner shouldn’t add to the stress. With just 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes in the oven, this Chicken Noodle Casserole is a dream for busy weeknights. Most of your ingredients are pre-cooked or frozen, streamlining the process to get a delicious meal on the table in under 40 minutes total.
Bursting with Familiar Flavors: There’s a reason chicken noodle soup is a classic! This casserole captures all those beloved flavors – tender chicken, soft noodles, savory broth, and a medley of veggies – in a hearty, bakeable form. It’s a nostalgic taste that appeals to everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Highly Adaptable for Every Palate: While delicious as is, this Chicken Noodle Casserole is incredibly versatile. Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Prefer a different cheese? No problem! It’s a fantastic canvas for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s specific tastes or whatever you have on hand in the fridge, ensuring it never gets boring.

Ingredients with Measurements

Gather your ingredients, because this delicious Chicken Noodle Casserole comes together with simple, wholesome items you likely already have or can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece:

🍜 5 cups (10 ounces) egg noodles (whole wheat for extra fiber!)
🫒 1 tablespoon olive oil
🥕 ½ cup (about 1-2 stalks) chopped celery
🧅 ½ cup (about ¼ large onion) chopped white or yellow onion
🍄 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup (opt for a low-sodium, low-fat version)
🥛 1 cup milk (skim or unsweetened non-dairy for a lighter option)
🍗 2 cups (10 ounces) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken breast works great!)
🫛 1 (10 ounce) bag frozen peas, thawed
🧂 ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
🌿 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
⚫ ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
🧀 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese (light cheddar can be used)

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions

Ready to create magic in your kitchen? This Chicken Noodle Casserole is a breeze to assemble, even on your busiest days. Follow these simple steps to bring this warm, bubbly dish to life:

Noodle Time! First things first, grab those egg noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, but here’s a pro tip: cook them until they’re just tender, or “al dente.” This usually means cooking for 2-3 minutes less than the full recommended time. Why al dente? They’ll finish cooking in the oven, preventing them from turning mushy. Once done, drain them really well and set aside. Nobody likes soggy noodles!
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Add your chopped celery and onion. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become beautifully soft and translucent. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for your Chicken Noodle Casserole. Once they’re softened and fragrant, remove the skillet from the heat.
Whip Up the Creamy Base: In a separate, generously sized mixing bowl, whisk together your condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until the mixture is wonderfully smooth and creamy. This will be the luxurious “sauce” that brings everything together in your Chicken Noodle Casserole.
Combine the Comfort: Now for the fun part – assembling! Into your creamy soup mixture, add the cooked shredded chicken, thawed peas, salt, Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, your perfectly cooked noodles, and the sautéed celery and onion. Gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated and happily combined.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully transfer this heartwarming mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Then, get ready for the cheesy crown: evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is wonderfully hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese is melted and gloriously golden.
Serve and Savor: Let it cool for just a few minutes, then serve warm and dig into this easy, healthy Chicken Noodle Casserole. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Different Ways to Present and Serve Your Chicken Noodle Casserole

While a generous scoop of this delightful Chicken Noodle Casserole straight from the baking dish is always a winner, a little creative presentation can elevate your meal from simple weeknight dinner to a truly special experience. Here are some fun ways to present and serve your comforting dish:

Classic & Hearty: For the most straightforward approach, simply serve large portions of the hot, bubbly Chicken Noodle Casserole in wide, shallow bowls. It’s perfect as a stand-alone meal. Pair it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing counterpoint and some vibrant green color. A slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread is also an excellent companion for soaking up all that creamy goodness.
Garnished with Flair: Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and a fresh herb aroma. You could also add a crack of fresh black pepper, a dash of paprika, or even a few crispy fried onions for added texture and visual appeal. A small dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on each serving can also add a delightful tang and creaminess.
Individual Servings: For a more elegant presentation, especially if entertaining, consider baking the casserole in individual ramekins or small oven-safe crocks. Adjust baking time as needed. These individual Chicken Noodle Casseroles are charming and make portion control a breeze, allowing each guest to have their own perfectly browned, bubbly dish.
Themed Dinner: Hosting a cozy movie night or game night? Serve the Chicken Noodle Casserole alongside other comfort food favorites like roasted vegetables, a simple fruit salad, or even some homemade apple pie for dessert. It fits right into any gathering that calls for warm, satisfying dishes.

How You Can Store It and How Long Does It Last

One of the best things about a hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole like this is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying delicious leftovers. Here’s how to keep your casserole fresh and tasty for as long as possible:

Refrigeration: Once your Chicken Noodle Casserole has cooled down to room temperature (don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours), transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can also cover the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Stored properly in the refrigerator, the casserole will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: If you’ve made a big batch or want to save some for a later date, this Chicken Noodle Casserole freezes quite well! Allow the casserole to cool completely. For best results, divide it into individual portions or family-sized servings in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. You can also freeze the entire baked casserole directly in the baking dish (if it’s freezer-safe), tightly wrapped with several layers of plastic wrap and then foil. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- From the Refrigerator: For individual servings, microwave on high for 2-4 minutes, stirring halfway, until heated through. For larger portions in the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. You can remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the cheese again.
- From the Freezer (Thawed): Reheat as you would from the refrigerator.
- From the Freezer (Frozen): You can reheat directly from frozen, though it will take longer. Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through, removing the foil for the last 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Got questions about this delightful Chicken Noodle Casserole? We’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common inquiries to help you master this easy and healthy comfort food.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
Yes, you absolutely can! Just make sure to cook and shred it first. You can boil, bake, or pan-fry chicken breasts or thighs until fully cooked, then shred them before adding to the casserole mixture.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can make your own cream sauce! Melt 2 tbsp butter, whisk in 2 tbsp flour, cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in 1 cup milk (and maybe a splash of chicken broth) until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried mushrooms or mushroom powder for flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole is very forgiving. Diced carrots, corn, spinach (wilted and squeezed dry), or even finely chopped bell peppers would be delicious additions. Add them with the celery and onion or when mixing everything together.
Is this Chicken Noodle Casserole gluten-free?
As written, no, due to the egg noodles and cream of mushroom soup (which often contains wheat). To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free egg noodles and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free (or make a homemade GF cream sauce).
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking (before adding the cheese topping). Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cheese and increase baking time by 10-15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
What kind of noodles are best for Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Egg noodles are traditional and work wonderfully, providing a soft, tender texture. However, you can experiment with other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or macaroni if you prefer. Just cook them al dente!
How can I make the casserole creamier?
For an extra creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole, you could add ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese (softened) to the soup and milk mixture. This will add richness and a tanginess that some people love.
My casserole seems a bit dry after baking. What went wrong?
Overcooking can sometimes lead to a drier casserole. Ensure you’re cooking the noodles al dente and not overbaking the final dish. Using low-fat or skim milk can also sometimes result in a slightly less rich texture; whole milk will make it creamier. You can also add an extra splash of milk or chicken broth to the mixture before baking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Certainly! While cheddar is a classic for Chicken Noodle Casserole, feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Swiss, or a Colby Jack blend would all be delicious alternatives or additions.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this Chicken Noodle Casserole?
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect for balancing the richness. Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or simply some warm, crusty bread would also make excellent accompaniments.

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Chicken Noodle Casserole

A comforting and easy chicken noodle casserole recipe, perfect for a healthy weeknight meal. This dish combines tender egg noodles, savory chicken, and fresh vegetables in a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it an ideal family dinner.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Servings 8 servings

Calories 248 kcal

Equipment

Large skillet
Large mixing bowl
9x13 inch Baking Dish

Ingredients

5 cups egg noodles (10 ounces, whole wheat for extra fiber!)
1 tablespoon olive oil
0.5 cup chopped celery (about 1-2 stalks)
0.5 cup chopped white or yellow onion (about ¼ large onion)
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces, opt for a low-sodium, low-fat version)
1 cup milk (skim or unsweetened non-dairy for a lighter option)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (10 ounces, rotisserie chicken breast works great!)
1 bag frozen peas (10 ounce), thawed
0.5 teaspoon Kosher salt
0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces, light cheddar can be used)

Instructions

First, get your egg noodles ready! Cook them according to the package directions until they're just tender, or "al dente." This usually means cooking for 2-3 minutes less than the full time. Drain them well and set aside.
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped celery and onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step really brings out their flavor! Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together your cream of mushroom soup and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Now, add your cooked shredded chicken, thawed peas, salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, the cooked noodles, and the sautéed celery and onion to the soup mixture. Gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
Carefully transfer this comforting mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-25 minutes, or until the casserole is wonderfully hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese is melted and golden. Serve warm and enjoy this easy, healthy comfort food!

Notes

Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 248 kcal
Total Carbs: 20g
Net Carbs: 19g
Fats: 11g
Protein: 17g

Hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole for Family Dinners