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cozy chicken noodle casserole

Chicken Noodle Casserole

This comforting chicken noodle casserole combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy breadcrumbs. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for family dinners and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 dash pepper
  • 1/2 pound medium noodles cooked al dente according to package directions
  • 2 large onions chopped and sautéed until translucent
  • 3-4 cups cooked chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup undiluted
  • 1 can (3 ounces) chopped mixed mushrooms
  • buttered bread crumbs or corn flake crumbs for topping

Equipment

  • 2-quart casserole dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Sauté pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
  2. Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Remember they will continue cooking in the oven.
  3. While noodles are cooking, chop and sauté onions until translucent and fragrant.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles and sautéed onions, folding them together gently.
  5. Add the cooked chicken pieces, salt, and pepper to the noodle mixture.
  6. Pour in the undiluted cream soup and add the chopped mixed mushrooms.
  7. Mix everything until well combined, ensuring each noodle is coated in the creamy mixture.
  8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  9. Sprinkle buttered bread crumbs or corn flake crumbs generously over the top.
  10. Cover the dish and bake for 50 minutes.
  11. Remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  12. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

This casserole is extremely versatile - feel free to use rotisserie chicken to save time or leftover turkey after holidays. For a healthier version, substitute whole wheat noodles or add extra vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli. If mushrooms aren't your favorite, simply omit them or use cream of celery soup instead.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole, covered, in a 325°F oven until heated through.