Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this incredibly easy and deeply satisfying **Chicken Noodle Casserole**. More than just a meal, it’s a warm embrace in a baking dish, thoughtfully crafted to be both wholesome and hearty. You’ll feel wonderful serving this nutritious, complete dinner to your loved ones any night of the week, knowing it’s packed with fresh ingredients and homemade goodness.

The Irresistible Allure of a Comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole

There’s something truly magical about a warm, bubbly casserole emerging from the oven, filling your home with an aroma that promises pure comfort. This past week, with a delightful chill lingering in the air here in Dallas, I seized the perfect opportunity to whip up one more deeply satisfying meal before the notorious Texas heat settles in. While many might shy away from hot dishes when temperatures soar past 100°F, I must confess: this particular Chicken Noodle Casserole transcends seasonal boundaries. Its perfect balance of freshness and healthiness, combined with its undeniably comforting and filling nature, makes it a dish I’d happily savor any time of year.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its ability to deliver a robust, complete meal in a single dish, simplifying dinner preparations without compromising on flavor or nutritional value. Every forkful offers a medley of tender chicken, wholesome noodles, and vibrant vegetables, all bathed in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s no wonder my family consistently asks for second and third helpings! This recipe isn’t just about feeding hungry bellies; it’s about creating cherished memories around the dinner table, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

Why This Homemade Chicken Noodle Bake Stands Out

What sets this particular chicken noodle casserole apart is its dedication to simplicity and the quality of its components. I’m a firm believer that the best casseroles are born from simple, fresh ingredients expertly brought together. This recipe is a testament to that philosophy, proving that you don’t need exotic elements to create something truly extraordinary. We’re talking about hearty pasta, succulent chicken, crisp fresh vegetables, a velvety milk-based sauce, and just the right touch of seasonings to enhance every natural flavor.

This harmonious blend results in a dish that is both incredibly easy to assemble and utterly delicious to eat. It’s a healthy meal that provides essential nutrients, ensuring your family receives a balanced and satisfying dinner. From the whole wheat noodles that add a touch of fiber to the lean protein from the chicken and the vitamins from the colorful bell peppers and mushrooms, every component plays a role in making this a wholesome choice. You’ll feel immense pride and joy serving this comforting, delicious casserole, knowing it’s a meal everyone will love.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Chicken Noodle Casserole

Crafting this delightful casserole begins with selecting high-quality ingredients that contribute to its rich flavor and comforting texture. The following list outlines everything you’ll need, with detailed measurements and specific preparation notes available in the recipe card at the very bottom of this post.

Core Casserole Components:

• Dried Whole Wheat Ribbon Noodles: These provide a fantastic chewy texture and an added boost of fiber. You can use other pasta shapes like egg noodles, rotini, or penne if ribbon noodles aren’t available, but ensure they are sturdy enough to hold up in the casserole.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for creating the roux for our creamy white sauce, contributing richness and a smooth base.
• All-Purpose Flour: The thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring it becomes wonderfully rich and velvety.
• Milk: The liquid base for the sauce. Whole milk offers the creamiest texture, but 2% milk can also be used for a slightly lighter option.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding a lovely aroma and aiding in their caramelization.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness, vibrant color, and essential vitamins. Make sure it’s finely chopped for even distribution.
• Green Bell Pepper: Contributes a slightly more peppery flavor and another layer of color, complementing the red pepper beautifully. Also chopped.
• White Mushrooms: Sliced fresh mushrooms add an earthy depth of flavor and a tender texture when cooked.
• Medium Yellow Onion: A fundamental aromatic that builds the flavor foundation of the casserole. Chop it finely so it blends seamlessly into the dish.
• Cooked Chicken: The star protein of the dish. This is an excellent opportunity to use up leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or freshly cooked and shredded chicken breasts or thighs. Ensure it’s chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: The basic seasonings that elevate all the other flavors. Seasoning to taste throughout the cooking process is key.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: These provide an incredibly crispy, golden-brown topping that adds a satisfying crunch to the casserole. Panko is preferred over regular breadcrumbs for its superior crispiness.

Essential Kitchen Supplies:

• 2-Quart Baking Dish: The vessel for your delicious casserole. A ceramic or glass dish works perfectly.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: For ensuring easy cleanup and preventing the casserole from sticking to the dish.
• Medium Saucepan: For preparing the creamy white sauce.
• Large Skillet: For sautéing the vegetables.
• Large Mixing Bowl or Pot: To combine all the cooked ingredients before transferring them to the baking dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Perfect Chicken Noodle Casserole

Creating this delicious Chicken Noodle Casserole is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a flavorful and perfectly cooked dish every time.

1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven comes to temperature, take your 2-quart baking dish and generously coat the inside with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set the prepared dish aside.
2. Cook the Noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the dried whole wheat ribbon noodles according to the package directions. It’s important to cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly in the oven. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly in a colander. Proper draining is key to avoiding a watery casserole.
3. Craft the Creamy White Sauce: While the noodles are cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. The goal is for the mixture to bubble gently but not to brown, ensuring a light-colored sauce. Slowly pour the milk into the roux, continuing to stir constantly with a whisk. This gradual addition and constant stirring are vital for preventing lumps and achieving a smooth, thick, and bubbly sauce. This process usually takes about 3 to 5 more minutes. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it, and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped red bell peppers, green bell peppers, sliced white mushrooms, and chopped yellow onion to the hot oil. Season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook the vegetables for approximately 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and the vegetables become tender-crisp and slightly softened. This step develops deep, savory flavors.
5. Combine All Components: In a large bowl or pot, add the cooked and drained pasta, the chopped cooked chicken, and the sautéed vegetables. Toss gently to combine all these wonderful ingredients. Next, pour the reserved creamy white sauce evenly over the mixture. Stir meticulously until all the pasta, chicken, and vegetables are completely coated in the sauce. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
6. Assemble and Top the Casserole: Carefully pour the entire mixture into your prepared 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly.

6. Add the Crispy Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs with the remaining 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Toss them together until the panko is evenly coated with the oil. This helps achieve a beautiful golden and extra-crispy topping. Sprinkle this panko mixture evenly over the entire surface of the casserole.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges and the panko topping is gloriously golden brown and crisp.
8. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny.

Pro Tips for an Even Better Chicken Noodle Casserole

While this recipe is fantastic as written, there are several ways to customize and enhance your chicken noodle casserole to perfectly suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs:

• Chicken Variations: Don’t limit yourself to just plain cooked chicken. Smoked chicken or shredded turkey (especially after Thanksgiving!) can add a delightful twist to the flavor profile. Ensure whatever poultry you use is fully cooked and shredded or chopped into manageable pieces.
• Boost Your Veggies: Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables. Diced carrots, frozen peas (added directly to the mix without thawing), or even some finely chopped spinach can increase the nutritional value and add more color. Just be sure to sauté harder vegetables like carrots along with the peppers and onions.
• Cheesy Goodness: For a richer, cheesier casserole, stir in about 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses into the sauce just before combining with the pasta and chicken. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra cheese on top along with the panko breadcrumbs.
• Herb and Spice It Up: Enhance the aromatic profile by adding dried herbs like a pinch of dried thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf to the white sauce as it simmers (remember to remove the bay leaf before combining). Freshly chopped parsley or chives can also be stirred in at the very end for a burst of freshness. A dash of paprika can also add subtle flavor and color.
• Make Ahead Magic: This casserole is excellent for meal prepping. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing for Later: For ultimate convenience, prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the panko topping. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the panko and baking as directed.

Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole

This Chicken Noodle Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to round out your dinner. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. A side of crusty bread or garlic knots is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce. For reheating leftovers, simply cover the casserole dish with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or portion individual servings and reheat in the microwave.

Chicken Noodle Casserole

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• Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Meals

Print Recipe

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Description

Warm and comforting chicken noodle casserole that’s easy and perfect for any night of the week!

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Ingredients

• 2 and 1/2 cups dried whole wheat ribbon noodles
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 and 1/2 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/2 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 6 white mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute or until the mixture bubbles but does not brown. Slowly pour milk into flour mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk, until thick and bubbly, about 3 to 5 more minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add peppers, mushrooms, onions, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook for about 7 minutes, or until mushrooms give up their liquid and vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. In a large bowl or pot, add the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, and sautéed vegetables. Toss to combine. Pour the reserved white sauce over the mixture and stir until completely coated. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. In a medium bowl, mix together panko bread crumbs and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

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If you decide to make this wonderful Chicken Noodle Casserole, I would absolutely love to see your culinary creations! Be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama. Seeing your delicious dishes brings me so much joy! If you’re a Facebook user, I invite you to join my Friends of The BakerMama group. It’s a fantastic community where we connect, share our cooking adventures, and celebrate all the fun and yummy recipes you make from my collection. I truly cherish seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy every comforting bite!

xoxo,