This Chicken With Pasta Casserole is loaded with creamy sauce and ooey-gooey cheese. The base of the dish is a rich blend of cream, onion, and garlic, while the tomato soup and sour cream add a depth of flavor that will make your taste buds dance. With tender chicken breasts as the foundation, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave your family asking for more.
Chicken With Pasta Casserole
Chicken, pasta, cheese, and cream. There I ask for more?
This Chicken With Pasta Casserole recipe is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness. What makes it even more appealing is the cheese crust that forms on top during baking, thanks to the ‘Reaction de Maillard’. This is a chemical reaction that occurs when proteins reach a certain temperature and create a brown crust, which humans crave and enjoy. So, if you love the taste of gratins, fries, and steaks, this recipe will surely satisfy your cravings.
Chicken With Pasta Casserole
This Chicken With Pasta Casserole is versatile as it can be served as a main dish with a side salad or as a side dish alongside a protein like mac and cheese. With just 20 minutes of prep time, it’s a quick and easy recipe. You can even prepare it ahead of time and bake it when ready, filling your home with the delicious aroma of gratin. It’s a wholesome and flavorful dish that’s perfect for picky eaters and makes for an ideal family meal that can be prepped in advance and baked just before serving.
Common Questions About CHICKEN WITH PASTA CASSEROLE :
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Yes, you can use a different type of pasta for this casserole. While the recipe calls for penne pasta, you can substitute with other types of short pasta such as fusilli, rotini, or rigatoni. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta used, so adjust accordingly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge?
Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. After assembling the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to take the chill off. Then, remove the covering and bake it in the oven according to the recipe instructions.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?
Yes, you can use a different type of cheese for the topping of the casserole. However, different cheeses have different melting points and textures, so the end result may vary slightly in taste and texture. Some good options include cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese. It’s always a good idea to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavors in the dish.
Can I use a different type of meat, such as ground beef, instead of chicken?
Yes, you can definitely use a different type of meat such as ground beef instead of chicken in this casserole. However, keep in mind that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the type of meat used. Ground beef typically takes less time to cook than chicken, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to make sure it is fully cooked. Additionally, the flavor of the casserole may be different with a different type of meat, so you may want to adjust the seasoning accordingly as well.
Chicken With Pasta Casserole
This pasta casserole with chicken is an ideal dish for a family dinner or potluck as it can feed a large crowd and can easily be doubled or tripled for larger groups. The best part is that it takes only 30 minutes to make!
Here is the list of ingredients for this amazing chicken casserole with pasta :
Shredded chicken breast – 2 cups
Pasta (penne, rigatoni or your favorite short pasta) – 4 cups (about 300g)
Butter – 3 tablespoons
Small onion – 1, diced
Garlic cloves – 2, minced
All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
Sour cream – 1/2 cup
Milk – 1 cup (I used whole)
Grated cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, Swiss or a combination) – 3 cups, I used Emmental (great for melting) and cheddar (great flavor)
Red pepper flakes – 1/2 teaspoon
Salt and pepper – to taste
How To Make Chicken Pasta Casserole?
Step 1: Cook and shred the chicken breast, if not already done. Boil the chicken in a medium to large pot filled with water until it is cooked thoroughly, around 20 minutes, depending on the amount and size of the chicken. Strain and let cool. Shred the chicken with a fork or fingers. Alternatively, use leftover chicken or roasted chicken.
Step 2: Boil water in a pot to cook the pasta. Add some salt and olive oil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook per the package’s instructions.
Step 3: Once the pasta is thoroughly cooked, strain and cool down with cold water. Leave the pasta in the same pot and cover it in cold water to prevent it from sticking to each other while we prepare the sauce and chicken.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF and grease a casserole tray with olive oil. Set it aside.
Step 5: In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in the butter over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent the butter from browning. Cook until tender, for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Add flour and stir for an additional minute.
Step 7: Slowly pour the milk into the pot and whisk vigorously to prevent any lumps. Add the sour cream and continue to whisk until thick.
Step 8: Add the cheese, or cheeses, and stir until melted. Reserve some cheese to coat the top of the casserole for a gratin finish.
Step 9: Add the chicken, pasta, red pepper flakes, and salt if needed. Toss and coat the pasta and chicken evenly.
Step 10: Transfer the pasta onto the casserole dish and top with a coat of the reserved cheeses. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until the cheese starts browning and bubbling.
Step 11: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Looking for a quick and delicious pasta dish that even the pickiest eaters will love? This chicken pasta casserole is the perfect recipe for you! Packed with flavor, it’s also easy to make and can even be prepared ahead of time – making it a great option for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a perfect way to use up any leftover cooked chicken. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a satisfying and tasty meal in no time!
Chicken With Pasta Casserole
Check out the printable recipe below and let me know what you think about chicken and pasta casserole (comments below).
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CHICKEN WITH PASTA CASSEROLE
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- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
Description
This cherished recipe for creamy chicken pasta casserole has been handed down for generations and has become a family favorite. Whenever I have some extra time and need some comforting food, this is one of my go-to dishes.
Ingredients
Shredded chicken breast – 2 cups
Pasta (penne, rigatoni or your favorite short pasta) – 4 cups (about 300g)
Butter – 3 tablespoons
Small onion – 1, diced
Garlic cloves – 2, minced
All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
Sour cream – 1/2 cup
Milk – 1 cup (I used whole)
Grated cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, Swiss or a combination) – 3 cups, I used Emmental (great for melting) and cheddar (great flavor)
Red pepper flakes – 1/2 teaspoon
Salt and pepper – to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook and shred the chicken breast, if not already done. Boil the chicken in a medium to large pot filled with water until it is cooked thoroughly, around 20 minutes, depending on the amount and size of the chicken. Strain and let cool. Shred the chicken with a fork or fingers. Alternatively, use leftover chicken or roasted chicken.
Step 2: Boil water in a pot to cook the pasta. Add some salt and olive oil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook per the package’s instructions.
Step 3: Once the pasta is thoroughly cooked, strain and cool down with cold water. Leave the pasta in the same pot and cover it in cold water to prevent it from sticking to each other while we prepare the sauce and chicken.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF and grease a casserole tray with olive oil. Set it aside.
Step 5: In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in the butter over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent the butter from browning. Cook until tender, for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Add flour and stir for an additional minute.
Step 7: Slowly pour the milk into the pot and whisk vigorously to prevent any lumps. Add the sour cream and continue to whisk until thick.
Step 8: Add the cheese, or cheeses, and stir until melted. Reserve some cheese to coat the top of the casserole for a gratin finish.
Step 9: Add the chicken, pasta, red pepper flakes, and salt if needed. Toss and coat the pasta and chicken evenly.
Step 10: Transfer the pasta onto the casserole dish and top with a coat of the reserved cheeses. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until the cheese starts browning and bubbling.
Step 11: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
There are plenty of ways to customize this already delicious casserole recipe. For example, if you want to change things up a bit, you could use a different type of protein like shrimp or beef instead of chicken. You could also experiment with different pasta shapes such as rigatoni or shells. To add some vegetables to the mix, consider adding chopped spinach or broccoli. With so many options, the possibilities are endless!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 1679
- Sugar: 31.5 g
- Sodium: 3534.5 mg
- Fat: 101.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 123 g
- Protein: 69.3 g
- Cholesterol: 287.1 mg
Keywords: CHICKEN WITH PASTA CASSEROLE