Welcome to the delightfully comforting world of Chicken Noodle Casserole! This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or potlucks, bringing everyone together with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
Tips for Success
This part’s so satisfying: the combination of flavors from the chicken, cheeses, and perfectly cooked noodles creates a harmony that your taste buds will thank you for!
Why You’ll Love It
With a crispy golden top and a rich, creamy filling, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Trust me, you’ll love it!
Ingredients
- Noodles and Sauce:
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- Cheese Layer:
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- Chicken:
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Instructions
- Cook the Noodles:
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Step 1- Cook egg noodles: In a large pot of boiling water, just until al dente, or even 1-2 minutes less. (The noodles will continue to cook later, when baked). Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Make the Sauce:
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Step 2- Sauce: Melt butter in an extra large saucepan over medium to medium high heat. Add flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil. Cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, about a cup at a time, until mixture is thickened, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Cheese Layer:
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Step 3- Cheese layer: In a large mixing bowl stir together cottage cheese, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
- Combine Ingredients:
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Step 4- Combine: Add chicken, noodles, and cheese mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine. Taste and add additional salt, pepper, or dried basil, if needed.
- Bake the Casserole:
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Step 5- Bake: Pour mixture into a 9x13'' baking dish (or you can bake it right in an oven-safe saucepan it is in). Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes or until golden on top and bubbly. Cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450, Fat: 20g, Carbs: 40g, Protein: 30g
Cooking techniques
Baking is the main technique here, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully while achieving a delightful golden top.
Variations or substitutions
Feel free to substitute with gluten-free noodles or use different types of cheese for a unique twist!
Storage tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Notes
For a healthier option, consider using rotisserie chicken or adding in some veggies like spinach or broccoli!
