Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan
Chicken noodle casserole with Parmesan is a classic comfort food dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds. This savory and creamy casserole combines tender chicken, egg noodles, and a luscious Parmesan sauce, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal.
Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan is sure to become a new family favorite. With its irresistible flavors and easy-to-follow preparation, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan is a true crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults alike. The combination of tender chicken, al dente egg noodles, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce creates a delightful texture contrast that’s simply irresistible.
What sets this recipe apart is its accessibility and versatility. The ingredients are easily found in most pantries and refrigerators, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Plus, the casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to serve, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free meal.
Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting dinner or looking to impress with a hearty and flavorful dish, this Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan is sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan ❓
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups frozen peas (optional)
The beauty of this Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and Parmesan cheese creates the comforting, family-friendly flavor profile that has made this type of casserole a perennially popular dish.
📝 How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
• Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Step 4: Fold the cooked egg noodles and frozen peas (if using) into the chicken mixture, making sure everything is well combined.
• Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
• Step 6: Sprinkle the top with additional Parmesan cheese.
• Step 7: Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• Step 8: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
• Total time: 50-55 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken pot pie, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan saves you 10-15 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar comforting flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 715mg
These Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan provide approximately 62% of your daily protein requirements and 12% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the sour cream and Parmesan cheese with non-dairy alternatives, such as cashew cream and nutritional yeast.
• Added protein: Increase the protein content by adding cooked and diced turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Boost vegetables: Incorporate more vegetables, such as diced carrots, celery, or spinach, for an extra nutritional boost.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the casserole with a light and refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal.
• Complement the Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan by serving it alongside a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup for a cozy, comfort-food feast.
• For a family-style dinner, serve the casserole with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, and a glass of chilled white wine.
• Create a festive appetizer platter by scooping the casserole into individual ramekins or phyllo cups for a bite-sized version.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skipping the Parmesan: The Parmesan cheese adds a delightful depth of flavor and a creamy, cheese-like texture to the casserole. Don’t forget to sprinkle it generously on top before baking.
• Undercooking the chicken: Make sure the chicken is fully cooked through before assembling the casserole. Undercooked chicken can pose a food safety risk and affect the overall texture of the dish.
• Not letting the casserole rest: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, as this will help the ingredients set and make it easier to portion and serve.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 30 minutes.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or bake the entire casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until piping hot and bubbling.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make this Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, but do not bake it. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake the casserole as directed in the recipe instructions.
Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
Yes, you can use a variety of proteins in this casserole. Turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken work great as substitutes for the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use a combination of chicken and turkey for a mixed protein dish.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
To make a dairy-free version of the Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan, you can replace the sour cream with a non-dairy alternative, such as unsweetened cashew or almond milk yogurt. Instead of Parmesan cheese, use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Why is my casserole turning out dry?
If your Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan is turning out dry, it could be due to overcooking the noodles or baking the casserole for too long. Make sure to cook the noodles just until al dente, and be mindful of the baking time, as ovens can vary in temperature. If the casserole seems too dry, you can try adding a splash of milk or broth to the mixture before baking.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan is highly versatile and can accommodate additional vegetables. Some great options include diced carrots, celery, broccoli, or spinach. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if adding more vegetables to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Conclusion
These Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, they’re sure to impress with their creamy texture and savory, cheesy flavor profile.
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Chicken Noodle Casserole with Parmesan demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly.
