Looking for a dish that will bring warmth and comfort to your table without a lot of hassle? This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is just the thing. It’s a cozy, creamy, and utterly satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s packed with chicken, veggies, and cheesy goodness all in one dish—what’s not to love? With minimal prep time and a short baking time, you’ll have a delicious homemade dinner ready in no time. It’s simple, it’s hearty, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: This casserole is the definition of easy. With just a handful of ingredients and under an hour of your time, you’ll be sitting down to a comforting meal in no time.
Comforting and Filling: There’s something about this creamy chicken noodle casserole that just makes you feel cozy and content. It’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings.
Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Use different veggies, pasta, or even proteins. It’s a versatile recipe that never gets boring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather up these ingredients to make this irresistible casserole:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great. Use cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, to save time.
Egg Noodles: The traditional choice for this casserole. Their slightly chewy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Feel free to use other pasta types, but egg noodles are the best.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the base for the creamy sauce. It gives the casserole its rich, comforting flavor. You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup if you prefer.
Cheddar Cheese: This cheesy goodness is what makes this dish melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Use shredded cheddar for a perfect golden, bubbly topping.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Convenient and adds a pop of color and nutrition. Peas, carrots, and corn are commonly used, but you can mix it up with your favorites.
Milk: Adds to the creaminess of the sauce. You can use whole milk or 2% milk, depending on what you have in your fridge.
Onion: A little bit of onion brings an extra depth of flavor to the casserole.
Garlic Powder and Salt & Pepper: These simple seasonings elevate the dish and bring everything together.

Variations

Feel like mixing it up? Here are a few ways you can add your personal touch to this chicken noodle casserole:

Different Vegetables: Swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for other options like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Swap the Protein: Try using turkey, ground beef, or even tofu for a different twist.
Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, you can add more than just cheddar. Try mozzarella, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for an even more indulgent casserole.
Make it Spicy: Add a little heat by tossing in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by cooking the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. This only takes about 5 minutes, so it’s a quick step!

Step 2: Make the Casserole Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken (shredded or cubed), cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the frozen mixed vegetables. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.

Step 3: Add the Noodles and Cheese

Toss the cooked egg noodles into the mixture and stir until the noodles are evenly coated. Then fold in about half of the shredded cheddar cheese to get that creamy, cheesy goodness throughout the casserole.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, and spread it out evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Pop it into the oven at 350°F and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Let it Cool and Serve

Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheesy layers to set and makes it easier to dish out.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s a huge time-saver and adds tons of flavor to the dish.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Since they’ll continue cooking in the oven, it’s important to cook them just until al dente. This ensures they don’t turn mushy.
Customize the Veggies: While frozen mixed vegetables are convenient, fresh veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can add even more flavor and texture to the casserole.
Extra Cheese, Please: If you love a cheesy crust, add a little extra cheese on top before baking.

How to Serve

This casserole is filling enough on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:

Side Dishes:

Pair this easy chicken noodle casserole with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal.

Toppings:

For a little extra flair, top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This casserole makes for great leftovers! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy.

Freezing

You can also freeze this dish for a future meal. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Reheating

Reheat the casserole in the microwave or the oven. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to prevent the top from getting too crispy, and bake for about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, feel free to use other types of pasta, such as rotini, penne, or shells. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they don’t get mushy during baking.

2. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn will work wonderfully in this casserole. Just be sure to cook them a bit before adding them to the mixture if they’re tougher, like carrots.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and cook as directed.

4. Can I add a crunchy topping? For a crunchy texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top before baking. It’ll add a delightful contrast to the creamy casserole.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal. The creamy, cheesy filling with tender chicken and pasta will make you feel right at home, and the best part is it’s simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for the week ahead, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today, and enjoy a classic comfort food that’s as easy as it is delicious!

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe