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.
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 450 | Carbs: 35g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 580mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g
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