The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Casserole – Fast, Easy & Irresistibly Cheesy!
Craving a cozy, cheesy dinner that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor? This Creamy Chicken Casserole is your go-to comfort meal! With tender chicken, a velvety cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Made with pantry staples and ready in under an hour, this is the ultimate fuss-free recipe for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. Plus, it’s kid-approved and totally customizable—switch up the cheese, add veggies, or spice it up to make it your own!
Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole
This rich and cheesy chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, flavorful, and loaded with melted cheese!
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Servings: 8
Calories: 362kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups cooked pasta (about 2 cups uncooked) – penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni work well
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 3 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, Swiss, or a combination), with ½ cup reserved for topping
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté Aromatics – In a pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened.
- Make the Sauce – Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the milk and sour cream. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Add Cheese – Stir in the cheese (reserving ½ cup for later) until melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients – Mix in the cooked chicken, pasta, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- Bake – Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, sprinkle the reserved cheese on top, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve & Enjoy – Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious, creamy chicken casserole!
Nutrition
Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 350mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Calcium: 280mg | Iron: 2mg
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Bonus: It’s a one-dish wonder that makes for amazing leftovers (if you have any left!). Let’s get cooking!
