Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe: Comforting, Creamy, and Ready in Just 30 Minutes

When the weather gets chilly, there's nothing quite like a warm, hearty casserole fresh out of the oven. This Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, filled with tender shredded chicken, rich cheese, and buttery Ritz cracker crumbs for that perfect crunch. The combination of savory chicken, creamy sauce, and satisfying noodles will have your family coming back for seconds.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I discovered this recipe over at Insanely Good Recipes, and it’s been a staple in my kitchen ever since! It’s one of those easy chicken recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something soothing.

A Family Favorite with a Twist

Growing up, chicken noodle casseroles were a regular dinner in my home, but this recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of buttery Ritz crackers and an extra cheesy, creamy sauce. It reminds me of the classic casseroles my grandmother used to make, but with a quicker, more modern twist. Using rotisserie chicken and frozen vegetables cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor. Plus, the crispy, cheesy topping is just irresistible!

The Origins of Chicken Noodle Casserole

Casseroles have long been a go-to in American kitchens for their convenience and versatility. Chicken noodle casseroles became especially popular in the mid-20th century, as they were easy to assemble and bake. Families loved them for their ability to stretch ingredients and provide hearty, satisfying meals. Today, the dish remains a comforting favorite, often customized with various cheeses, toppings, and veggies to suit individual tastes.

Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces wide egg noodles
• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1⁄2 onion, finely diced
• 2 cups frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions, but drain them a minute early to avoid overcooking.
3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, diced onion, thawed peas and carrots, garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles until everything is evenly coated.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
5. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top for that melty, cheesy finish.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Spread this cracker topping evenly across the casserole for a crunchy golden topping.
7. Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips:

• For extra flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a handful of cooked bacon to the topping for a savory, smoky kick.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite meat alternative, and use cream of mushroom soup instead.
• Gluten-free version: Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cracker crumbs for the topping.
• Make it your own: You can swap the peas and carrots for other veggies like broccoli or corn depending on what you have on hand.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or garlic bread to soak up the extra creamy sauce.

A Comfort Classic You’ll Make Again and Again

This Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen just like it has in mine. It’s perfect for when you need something comforting, filling, and easy to make. Don’t forget to check out the original recipe over at Insanely Good Recipes, and let me know how yours turns out!

Did you love this recipe? If so, hit the follow button and share it with your friends and family. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments—what variations did you try? What did your family think? Let’s keep the casserole conversation going!