Introduction to the Recipe

If comfort food had a champion, Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole would be a top contender. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, crisp broccoli, and a luscious creamy cheese sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth to your table and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

What makes this casserole especially satisfying is the blend of sharp white cheddar and regular cheddar cheeses, giving each bite a rich, flavorful depth. The addition of French’s crispy fried onions adds a wonderful crunch, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy texture of the casserole. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a dish to bring to a potluck, or a comforting meal to enjoy with family, this recipe delivers every time.

This casserole is also quite flexible. You can swap in cream of chicken soup if you prefer, and the Italian seasoning and garlic salt add just the right amount of herbaceous flair without overpowering the dish. The broccoli florets not only bring color but also a fresh, slightly crunchy bite that balances the richness of the cheese and creamy sauce.

If you want to learn more about cooking with rotini pasta, check out this guide to pasta shapes and uses. For tips on selecting the best cheese for casseroles, this cheese pairing guide is a great resource.

This Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole is sure to become a family favorite, offering cozy, cheesy goodness in every forkful.

Ingredients and Instructions

Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole

Author: Sarah White

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Description

Creamy Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole with broccoli, rotini, and crispy onions. Easy, comforting, and family-friendly recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups diced uncooked chicken (about 2 small chicken breasts)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¾ teaspoon garlic salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups broccoli florets
3 cups dry rotini pasta

10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup (cream of chicken works well too)
1 cup sour cream (or 8 oz)
½ cup milk (any kind)

2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup regular cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup French’s crispy fried onions

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly golden, about 7-8 minutes. Remove from heat.
Steam Broccoli: While the chicken cooks, steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes. You can do this in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Mix Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the condensed soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rotini, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheeses to the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading evenly.

Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of cheese over the casserole. Then evenly distribute the crispy fried onions on top.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm and creamy!

Keywords: Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole

Advanced Techniques

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a creamier casserole. It also doesn’t contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

Cook Chicken in Broth for Extra Moisture

Instead of olive oil, cook the chicken in low-sodium chicken broth to infuse additional moisture and flavor. This also helps keep the chicken tender throughout baking.

Add a Crunchy Topping Layer

Try mixing crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the crispy onions before baking. This will give an extra crunch contrast to your casserole.

Make it Ahead and Freeze

Assemble the casserole in advance and cover tightly with foil. Freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 50–60 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Boost Flavor with Fresh Herbs

Add fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or basil into the mixture before baking. Fresh herbs brighten up the casserole and add layers of aromatic flavor.

See more advanced recipes at cookingwhite.com

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Refrigerate Leftovers Properly

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freeze for Longer Storage

This casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat Without Drying Out

Reheat covered with foil in the oven at 325°F to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk if the casserole looks dry before reheating.

Keep Toppings Crispy

To keep the fried onions crispy, add them fresh on top just before serving rather than during storage.

Avoid Overcooking Pasta

Slightly undercook pasta during boiling to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking in the casserole.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free rotini pasta and ensure condensed soup is gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free cream of mushroom or chicken soups.

Dairy-Free Version

Swap cheddar cheese and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives made from nuts or soy. Use coconut or almond milk to replace regular milk.

Low-Carb Adaptation

Replace rotini with cooked cauliflower florets or spiralized zucchini noodles. Use low-carb dairy alternatives if needed.

Vegan Version

Replace chicken with plant-based chicken substitutes or chickpeas. Use vegan cheese, sour cream alternatives, and vegetable broth for cooking.

Lower Sodium Option

Use low-sodium condensed soup and reduce added salt. Fresh herbs and garlic powder can enhance flavor without extra sodium.

FAQs About the Recipe

Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?

Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken. Add it when mixing ingredients so it heats through during baking without overcooking.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Rotini works great because its twists hold onto the sauce. You can also use penne or elbow macaroni.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Peas, carrots, or mushrooms all pair well. Make sure to cook them beforehand to avoid excess moisture.

How do I make it less creamy?

Reduce the sour cream and milk by ¼ cup or use a lighter cream soup to reduce creaminess.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a larger casserole dish. Increase baking time by 10–15 minutes, covering with foil if needed.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors. Its simplicity and versatility make it a staple for family dinners or potluck gatherings. The balance of tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and gooey cheeses baked atop crunchy onions delivers a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.

What makes this casserole special is how easy it is to customize based on what you have on hand, dietary needs, or flavor preferences. It’s a meal that feels homemade and special, yet comes together quickly without fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some cozy comfort food, this casserole hits the spot every time.

With proper storage and make-ahead options, it’s also a fantastic recipe to prepare in advance for busy nights. The blend of cheeses, seasonings, and textures makes it a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any season.

Try it with fresh herbs or a crunchy topping variation and enjoy a classic comfort dish that never goes out of style.