Introduction
This Ultimate Chicken Casserole is creamy, cheesy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken and hearty ingredients. It is an easy dinner that comes together beautifully in one baking dish and is perfect for family meals, potlucks, or dinner parties. The addition of a little cornstarch helps thicken the creamy sauce, giving the casserole a rich consistency that coats every bite.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
3 cups cooked pasta, such as penne, rotini, or egg noodles
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for the topping
Method
- Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
- Prepare the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until completely smooth. Stir this mixture into the creamy sauce. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce as the casserole bakes.
- Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, corn, diced onion, and bell pepper to the bowl with the sauce.
Add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and gently stir everything together until the chicken and pasta are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top. Add the mozzarella as well if desired.
Dot the surface with small pieces of butter.
- Bake
Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbling around the edges, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
For a more golden top, place the casserole under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully so the cheese does not burn.
- Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy sauce to thicken slightly and makes the casserole easier to portion.
Tips
Use rotisserie chicken to make this recipe especially quick and easy.
Cook the pasta just until al dente because it will continue cooking in the oven.
Mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the sauce to prevent lumps.
For extra flavor, use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
You can add cooked bacon, mushrooms, broccoli, peas, or spinach for additional flavor and texture.
If the casserole seems too thick before baking, add a small splash of milk.
For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter over the cheese before baking.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the casserole in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per serving will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size.
Calories: approximately 450–550
Protein: approximately 30–35 g
Carbohydrates: approximately 40–50 g
Fat: approximately 20–25 g
Fiber: approximately 3–5 g
Calcium: approximately 250–350 mg
Conclusion
Ultimate Chicken Casserole is the kind of comforting homemade dinner that is easy to prepare and always satisfying. Tender chicken, pasta, vegetables, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese come together in one delicious dish. The cornstarch gives the sauce a thicker, richer consistency, making every serving creamy and flavorful.