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The best creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole with chicken, broccoli, and a crispy fried onion topping, on a white table.

The Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole (Old-Fashioned Comfort!)

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This is the Best Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe! This easy, cheesy, old-fashioned comfort food is made with a rich sauce (upgraded with sour cream!), tender chicken, and broccoli, and is finished with that essential crispy fried onion topping. It’s the perfect, simple, make-ahead family dinner!

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (a rotisserie chicken is perfect!)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (frozen is easiest!)
  • 3 cups dry Rotini or Wide Egg Noodles
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
  • 1 cup sour cream (or 8 oz)
  • 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
  • 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (into the casserole)
  • 1 cup regular cheddar, shredded (for topping)
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions (the non-negotiable classic!)
  • Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta (Al Dente!): Cook the noodles in boiling salted water for 1 minute less than al dente (check the package for the cooking time!). Drain well.
  2. Make Cream Base: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a very large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings until smooth.
  3. Combine Fillings: Gently fold in the cooked chicken, frozen broccoli, and half of the sharp white cheddar cheese.
  4. Add Noodles: Add the drained, al dente noodles to the cream base and gently toss until combined.
  5. Bake (Part 1): Transfer to a lightly greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Top with the remaining regular cheddar cheese. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  6. The Crunch (Part 2): Remove the cover and sprinkle the crispy fried onions all over the top. Bake uncovered for 8 more minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbling hot. Serve warm!

Notes

  • The “Al Dente” Rule: This is the #1 secret! Cooking the pasta just shy of done prevents it from getting soft and mushy in the baked casserole!
  • Rotisserie Chicken Lifesaver: Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time-saver that makes this recipe come together in a snap.
  • The Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the whole casserole (without the onion topping!) and refrigerate for up to 2 days. It makes a wonderfully stress-free dinner!
  • The Crunch Trick: For the crispiest topping, only add the fried onions for the last 8 minutes of baking! If you add them too soon, they will get soggy.
  • Fresh Cheese is Best: Please shred your own cheese from a block! It melts much more smoothly into the creamy sauce.
  • Author: Ellie
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 35
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://www.spoonfulhome.com/chicken-noodle-casserole/