My creamy chicken noodle casserole is one of my favorite comfort food recipes—it’s rich, cheesy, and full of hearty flavor. The tender egg noodles, creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and colorful veggies all come together for a satisfying meal that’s both easy and delicious. I love how it feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this chicken noodle casserole because it’s simple, filling, and family-friendly. It uses pantry staples and can be ready in under 30 minutes. The creamy sauce makes it incredibly comforting, and the cheese and sour cream give it a delicious richness. Plus, it’s flexible—I can toss in any veggies I have on hand or swap out the chicken for other proteins.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I start by cooking the egg noodles in a large pot according to package directions, but I slightly undercook them since they’ll continue to cook in the sauce. I drain them and return them to the pot.
I add the cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, drained chicken, frozen vegetables, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the pot.
I stir everything together until well mixed and creamy.
I cook the mixture on medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and bubbly.
I serve it warm, often with Pillsbury Grand biscuits or a simple green salad on the side.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings and takes around 25–30 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
Add More Veggies: I toss in fresh spinach, kale, broccoli, or cauliflower to use up extra veggies.
Protein Swap: I replace the chicken with ground turkey, cooked ground beef, or leftover ham for a twist.
Extra Creamy: I stir in a few ounces of cream cheese for even more richness.
Cheesy Top: I transfer the casserole to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheddar on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes for a golden, cheesy crust.
Spicy Kick: I add a dash of cayenne or a few red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this casserole since the creamy sauce and noodles can separate when thawed. To reheat, I warm it in the microwave in one-minute intervals, stirring in between, or in a skillet on the stove over low heat until hot.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Yes, I often use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breast—it adds great flavor and texture.
Can I bake this casserole instead of cooking it on the stovetop?
Absolutely. I pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Can I use different soups?
Yes, I sometimes swap the cream of mushroom for cream of celery or extra cream of chicken for a different flavor.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but I also like using mozzarella or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a smoother melt.
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
I undercook them slightly before mixing, since they continue to absorb moisture as the casserole cooks.
Conclusion
My creamy chicken noodle casserole is the ultimate easy comfort meal—rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. I love how it brings together simple ingredients to create something so cozy and satisfying. Whether I’m making it for a family dinner or just craving something warm and creamy, this dish always hits the spot and fills the kitchen with comforting aromas everyone loves.
This creamy chicken noodle casserole is a rich and cheesy comfort food classic made with egg noodles, chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s quick, hearty, and perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals.