Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious? This Chicken and Pasta Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness all baked to perfection. In just one hour, you can whip up a meal that will have your family asking for seconds and third helpings! With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this casserole is not only easy to make but also a delightful way to bring everyone to the table. Get ready to discover the secret to a satisfying, hearty meal that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and diced chicken, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth and well blended.
- Pour the soup and sour cream mixture over the pasta and chicken, stirring gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste and mixing well.
- Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
- Distribute breadcrumbs evenly across the cheese layer to create a crispy topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy chicken and pasta casserole.
Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, cook your pasta just until al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s a great shortcut that adds flavor without the hassle of cooking chicken from scratch.
- Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor and creaminess.
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition and flavor by adding cooked vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the mixture before baking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Garnish for Presentation: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
