If you’ve ever dreamed of a comfort food meal that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender, wide egg noodles swimming in a rich, velvety cheese sauce packed with flavorful mushrooms, sweet carrots, and juicy chicken, all topped with a crispy buttery cracker crust. Each bite offers the perfect harmony of creamy texture and savory goodness that feels like a big, delicious hug from the inside. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck favorite, this recipe combines simplicity and soul-warming flavors that will quickly become your go-to classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish shines because of its simple, honest ingredients that come together to create layers of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a special role—from the tender noodles to the luscious cheese sauce and the crunchy topping, making this casserole unforgettable.
- Extra-wide egg noodles (12 ounces): The perfect pasta base that holds onto all the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning is key to balancing flavors across the dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté the mushrooms for a deep, savory flavor.
- Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons, divided): Adds richness and helps create that classic creamy texture and buttery topping.
- Mushrooms (10 ounces, sliced): Bring earthiness and a meaty bite that elevates the casserole.
- Carrots (2, chopped): Sweetness and a pop of color that brighten the dish.
- Onion (1, chopped): Adds subtle aromatic depth and enhances the savory notes.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): The thickening agent for the smooth and luscious sauce.
- Whole milk (3 cups): Creates a creamy base for the cheese sauce with just the right richness.
- Low-sodium or homemade chicken broth (2 cups): Deepens flavor without overpowering the cheese.
- American cheese, deli style (6 ounces, roughly chopped): Melts smoothly for that signature creamy texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (6 ounces, shredded): Adds a punch of tangy and sharp flavor that balances the richness.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Subtle warmth and savory undertones.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings a gentle tang that brightens the sauce wonderfully.
- Cooked chicken (4 cups, diced): The hearty protein star, tender and juicy, making this casserole truly satisfying.
- Frozen peas (1 1/2 cups): Bursts of sweetness and color that surprise your taste buds.
- Ritz crackers (20, broken into small pieces): Creates the irresistible golden crunchy topping that everyone loves.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a 13×9-inch baking pan. This sets the stage and ensures your casserole won’t stick, making cleanup easier and presentation flawless.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil salted water and cook the extra-wide egg noodles until they’re almost al dente—just tender but still a bit firm. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, and toss them with a tablespoon of butter. This little touch keeps the noodles silky and prevents sticking as they bake.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms
In a skillet, heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté until they’re beautifully browned and fragrant. Their deep, earthy flavor is a must-have in this casserole, so don’t rush this step. Once done, toss the mushrooms into the pot with noodles.
Step 4: Cook Carrots and Onions
Using the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter, then add the chopped carrots and onions. Sauté until softened and just starting to caramelize; this will bring out their natural sweetness and add depth. Combine these with the noodles and mushrooms.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
Now, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet and whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook this roux for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, bringing it to a boil before reducing the heat. Let the sauce thicken to a luscious consistency, then stir in the American and sharp cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth. Lastly, add garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. This sauce is creamy and full of flavor, the heart of the entire casserole.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Pour the cheese sauce over your noodles, mushrooms, carrots, and onions. Gently fold in the cooked chicken and frozen peas to distribute everything evenly without breaking up the noodles. Transfer this creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish—it’s starting to look like comfort on a plate.
Step 7: Add the Topping and Bake
Finally, melt the remaining butter and drizzle it over the broken Ritz crackers. Sprinkle this buttery crumb mixture evenly on top of the casserole. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling with cheesy goodness. If the topping starts browning too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes so it sets perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
This casserole is already a star, but some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled just before serving add a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy richness. A small drizzle of extra sharp cheddar cheese or a light dusting of smoked paprika can also bring an appealing pop of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
Pair this cozy casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette to lighten the meal. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans with lemon and garlic are wonderful companions that complement without competing with the bold flavors of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a little extra cracker crumble and broiled briefly for an irresistible golden crust. Or go rustic by scooping into bowls and topping with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for added creaminess and tang.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, store any leftover Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days and actually tastes even better as the flavors meld overnight.
Freezing
This casserole makes an excellent freezer meal. Assemble it fully but don’t bake, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Remove the foil in the last few minutes to refresh the crunchy topping. This dish warms back up beautifully, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using cooked leftover or rotisserie chicken is a fantastic way to save time and add extra flavor to this casserole. Just dice it and fold it in during the final mixing step.
What can I substitute for Ritz crackers as a topping?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers handy, try crushed buttery breadcrumbs, crushed saltines, or even panko mixed with melted butter for a crispy topping.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free noodles and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Double-check your chicken broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?
Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like roasted cauliflower or butternut squash, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cheese sauce will keep it creamy and satisfying.
How can I make the casserole creamier or cheesier?
For extra creaminess, add a splash more milk or a dollop of cream cheese in the sauce step. To boost cheesiness, mix in more sharp cheddar or even a little Parmesan for depth.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is truly a timeless crowd-pleaser that brings warmth to the table and smiles to every face. Its rich, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a crunchy topping makes it a dish you’ll want to keep coming back to. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and savor every bite of this deliciously comforting masterpiece—you’re going to love how effortlessly it comes together and how it fills your home with that irresistible, welcoming aroma.
Print
Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole combines tender egg noodles with sautéed mushrooms, carrots, onions, and creamy cheese sauce for a comforting family meal. Finished with a crispy buttery Ritz cracker topping, it’s baked to golden perfection and packed with flavors from sharp cheddar and American cheeses, Dijon mustard, and savory chicken.
Ingredients
Pasta and Seasoning
- 12 ounces extra-wide egg noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 10 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups low-sodium or homemade chicken broth
- 6 ounces American cheese, deli style, rough chopped
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Protein and Add-ins
- 4 cups cooked chicken, diced (about 4 medium chicken breasts or 1 rotisserie chicken)
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas
Topping
- 20 Ritz crackers, broken into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prepare for the casserole.
- Cook Noodles: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the egg noodles until they are almost al dente. Drain them well, rinse under cold running water to stop cooking, then toss with 1 tablespoon of butter to keep them from sticking.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a skillet, heat the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are browned and tender. Remove from heat and transfer the mushrooms to the pot with the cooked noodles.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt another tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Add the chopped carrots and onion and cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Then, add these sautéed veggies to the noodles and mushrooms in the pot.
- Make Sauce: In the skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir in the American cheese and shredded cheddar until melted and smooth. Flavor the sauce with garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the noodles and vegetables in the pot. Add the diced cooked chicken and frozen peas. Gently fold everything together to combine evenly without breaking the noodles.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined mixture into the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Topping: Melt the remaining butter. Sprinkle the broken Ritz crackers evenly over the top of the casserole and drizzle the melted butter over the crackers to create a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly. To avoid over-browning, cover the casserole loosely with foil halfway through the baking time.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set for easier serving and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- For a lighter variation, substitute whole milk with 2% or use low-fat cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- If rotisserie chicken is not available, poached or roasted chicken breasts work well.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free crackers as topping.
- You can add other veggies like peas, green beans, or bell peppers based on preference.
