Creamy Chicken Casserole

5 from 5 votes

This Creamy Chicken Casserole is a family-friendly dish that's easy to make and full of flavor. It combines tender chunks of chicken and pasta in a smooth, cheesy sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week, it's sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it's great for leftovers, making meal planning a breeze.

Prep Time20

Cook Time50

Total Time1 10

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 376kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

9x13-inch Casserole Dish

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked pasta such as rotini or penne
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
salt and pepper to taste
1 medium onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup chicken broth low sodium
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
1 tablespoon butter melted

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink in the middle. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir well, loosening any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Incorporate the dried oregano and thyme into the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are well-coated with the sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Pasta Choice: You can use any pasta shape you like. Penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni work great in this recipe.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella can be a great combination.
Adding Vegetables: For a nutritional boost, consider adding vegetables like broccoli, peas, or bell peppers.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Freezer Friendly: This casserole freezes well. Cool completely before freezing and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Nutrition