Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole

This creamy, cheesy chicken casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish with tender chicken, rich cheese, and a creamy sauce. It’s an easy dinner recipe packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight meal. Get ready for cheesy goodness in every bite!

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken (bite-sized pieces)
4 cups cooked pasta (penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni, about 2 cups uncooked)
3 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons flour
½ cup sour cream
1 cup milk
3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, Swiss, or a combination)
(½ cup reserved for topping)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, until it begins to thicken.
Gradually whisk in the milk and sour cream. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked chicken, pasta, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss everything to combine.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the reserved ½ cup cheese.
Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes:

Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add 5-10 extra minutes of baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Variations: Feel free to add veggies like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Cheese options: Experiment with different cheese blends to make it your own! Try adding mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy texture or Parmesan for extra flavor.