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This Chicken Noodle Casserole is a modern twist on the classic comfort food, minus the condensed soup! With juicy shredded chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and two types of melted cheese, it offers a rich and satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. This hearty dish is a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Casserole:
- 3 cups dry pasta or noodles (cooked according to package directions)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced small
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream (do not substitute)
- 2 ½ cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or diced into small cubes)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a 3 to 4-quart casserole or baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
Cook the Noodles: Boil the pasta or noodles according to the package directions. Once done, rinse, drain, and set them aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, add olive oil and sauté the onion over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, then cover with a lid to allow steam to form. Cook for about 3 minutes until the broccoli softens.
Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded chicken and Swiss cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and combine.
Combine and Transfer: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Top with Mozzarella and Bake: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the top is golden brown. If you prefer a crispy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs combined with melted butter before baking.
Serve: Serve the casserole warm and enjoy!

Nutrients

Calories: 603 kcal
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 137mg
Sodium: 639mg
Potassium: 412mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Vitamin A: 1223 IU
Vitamin C: 29mg
Calcium: 477mg
Iron: 2mg

This creamy and cheesy casserole is a deliciously comforting dish, made quickly without any condensed soup, perfect for feeding the whole family!

Why Chicken Noodle Casserole is a Family Favorite

The beauty of chicken noodle casserole lies in its simplicity and heartiness. It’s the kind of dish that everyone can agree on, offering a combination of flavors and textures that appeal to all ages. The rich, creamy base combined with the savory chicken, soft noodles, and tender broccoli makes it a well-rounded meal. This casserole is an excellent way to pack in protein and vegetables, all while delivering a satisfying dish that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.

Not only does it taste great, but it also saves you time in the kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you can go from prep to serving, making it an ideal meal for those nights when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Additionally, the ability to make it in one casserole dish means fewer dishes to wash, which is always a bonus!

The Secret Behind the Flavorful Casserole Base

A key element of this Chicken Noodle Casserole is the creamy sauce that holds everything together. Instead of relying on the usual condensed soups, this recipe uses heavy cream, which provides a luxurious texture and rich flavor. The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and broccoli adds aromatic depth to the dish, while the addition of shredded Swiss cheese creates a velvety, smooth consistency. Swiss cheese has a slightly nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chicken, while mozzarella brings a mild, melty quality that complements the richness of the cream.

The heavy cream, along with the seasonings—salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic—ensures that the casserole has plenty of flavor without being overwhelming. This balanced base allows the chicken to shine, providing a savory backdrop to the other ingredients without the need for processed additives.

The Role of Fresh Ingredients

One of the standout features of this casserole is the use of fresh ingredients. While some versions of chicken noodle casserole use processed ingredients or shortcuts like canned cream of chicken soup, this recipe skips those in favor of fresher, higher-quality components. The use of freshly cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken makes the dish quick to prepare while ensuring that the protein is juicy and flavorful.

Broccoli is also a key ingredient that adds not only nutritional value but also texture and flavor contrast. It brings a fresh, slightly bitter bite that balances the richness of the cheese and cream. Whether you choose fresh or frozen broccoli, it’s an essential element that adds color and heartiness to the casserole.

The noodles, which are cooked separately, serve as the perfect base for the creamy sauce. Their mild flavor and chewy texture provide a satisfying contrast to the creaminess of the sauce and the tender chicken.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole

Making this Chicken Noodle Casserole is incredibly straightforward, starting with cooking the pasta and sautéing the vegetables. In just a few minutes, the onions and garlic become soft and aromatic, creating a flavorful foundation for the rest of the ingredients. Once the broccoli is added and softened, the heavy cream and cheese are stirred in, forming the rich sauce that will coat the noodles and chicken.

After everything is combined, the mixture is transferred to a baking dish, topped with mozzarella cheese, and baked until golden brown and bubbly. The result is a creamy, cheesy casserole with perfectly cooked pasta, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, all topped with a beautiful golden crust.

If you prefer a crunchier topping, you can add a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking. This extra touch adds a delightful texture contrast to the smoothness of the casserole. The dish is then ready to serve, hot out of the oven and ready to be enjoyed by all.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Noodle Casserole

While casseroles are often seen as indulgent comfort food, this Chicken Noodle Casserole strikes a great balance between richness and nutrition. The heavy cream provides the creamy texture, but it’s balanced with the protein from the chicken and the fiber from the broccoli. The broccoli, in particular, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, both of which contribute to immune health and skin integrity.

The chicken, which is the main protein source in this dish, provides about 35 grams of protein per serving, making this casserole a filling and satisfying meal. The addition of cheese contributes calcium, which is important for bone health, while the healthy fats from the olive oil ensure that the dish is satisfying without feeling too greasy or heavy.

While it’s not a low-calorie dish, it offers a balanced combination of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, making it a solid meal that will keep you full and nourished.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Noodle Casserole

Chicken Noodle Casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides for a more complete meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect complement, as it adds a light, refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. You could also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, which would enhance the dish’s nutritional value and add more texture to the meal.

For a fun twist, consider serving the casserole with warm, crusty bread on the side, perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce. This also makes for a great dish to bring to a potluck or serve at a family gathering, as it can be easily doubled to feed a crowd.

Customization Options for Chicken Noodle Casserole

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized based on personal preferences or dietary needs. For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative. If you want to add even more vegetables, feel free to include other favorites like spinach, peas, or mushrooms, all of which will blend nicely into the casserole.

For those following a gluten-free diet, you can swap out the pasta for gluten-free noodles, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this comforting dish. Similarly, if you’re avoiding dairy, you can experiment with dairy-free cheese or use a creamy plant-based substitute in place of the heavy cream and cheese.

Conclusion

This Chicken Noodle Casserole is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With juicy chicken, tender noodles, a rich creamy sauce, and two types of melted cheese, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. By using fresh ingredients and skipping the condensed soup, this dish feels both homemade and wholesome, offering a modern take on a classic comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a cozy meal to enjoy on a Sunday night, this casserole is sure to be a hit, offering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition in every bite.

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