When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving a warm, comforting meal, nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty chicken noodle soup. But what if we told you that you could enjoy all the comforting flavors of this beloved dish in the form of a delicious casserole? That’s right – our Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Casserole takes all the classic elements of chicken noodle soup and transforms them into a cozy, crowd-pleasing bake that’s perfect for any occasion. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to cozy up with a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound egg noodles
- 2-3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 1 (14 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.75 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (16 oz.) bag frozen peas and carrots
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/3 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, cubed chicken, cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas and carrots, heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and grated cheddar cheese. Season with garlic salt, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the noodle and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the seasoned Italian breadcrumbs with the melted unsalted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
Step 6: Add the Topping
- Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious chicken noodle soup casserole!
Cook’s Notes:
- Feel free to customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs. Diced onions, celery, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions.
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
- For a lighter version of this casserole, you can use reduced-fat or low-sodium cream soups and omit the heavy cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use other types of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Yes, you can substitute other types of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or even macaroni, for the egg noodles in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the pasta shape you choose.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen for later enjoyment. Simply assemble the casserole as instructed, but do not bake it. Instead, cover the unbaked casserole tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake according to the recipe instructions.
How can I make this casserole keto-friendly?
To make a keto-friendly version of this casserole, you can substitute the egg noodles with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option. Use heavy cream and full-fat cheese, and skip the breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds as a topping.
With its creamy, cheesy filling, tender chunks of chicken, and golden breadcrumb topping, our Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Casserole is a comforting twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish to bring to a potluck or gathering, this casserole is sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients and give this delicious recipe a try – we guarantee it will become a staple in your meal rotation!
