Chicken pasta casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce, all baked together to create a warm, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, chicken pasta casserole is an easy and crowd-pleasing choice that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
The base of the casserole is made with cooked pasta, usually penne or rotini, which holds the sauce and cheese beautifully. The chicken, typically shredded or cubed, is cooked until tender and then mixed with the pasta. You can use leftover chicken or cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs for the dish. The chicken adds protein and flavor, making the casserole both filling and hearty.
What really elevates the chicken pasta casserole is the creamy sauce. A combination of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, or even a homemade béchamel sauce creates a rich and velvety texture. Seasoned with garlic, onion, and a mix of herbs like thyme or oregano, the sauce infuses every layer of the casserole with savory flavor. For extra depth, adding a bit of grated Parmesan or mozzarella to the sauce ensures a cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth result.
Once everything is combined, the casserole is topped with more cheese—usually shredded cheddar or mozzarella—which melts and forms a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes in the oven. The result is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for serving with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Chicken pasta casserole is not only delicious but also highly customizable. You can add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the mix for added nutrition and color. For those who love a bit of spice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños can give the dish a little kick. The casserole also makes for great leftovers, as the flavors continue to meld together and taste even better the next day.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, chicken pasta casserole is a delicious and easy option that will satisfy every appetite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed
- 3 cups pasta uncooked, penne or rotini
- 1 cup cheese shredded cheddar
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz can
- 1 cup milk whole or 2%
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked pasta, cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
This casserole is so easy and delicious! My kids loved it!
Glad your kids enjoyed it! It’s a great way to get them to eat chicken. 😄
yum!!! +++ so cheesy and delish! 10/10 😋
This recipe makes no sense! Who uses THAT much cheese?? 😂
I don’t like mushrooms. Can I use something else instead?
Yummy! I added some garlic and it turned out great! 👍
Garlic sounds like a great idea! I’ll have to try that next time. 😋
I dunno… garlic in a casserole? Sounds weird to me. Just take away from the chicken flavor, ya know?
I don’t know about this one. Cream of mushroom soup? Really? Seems a bit bland to me.
Quick and yummy! I added some veggies for color.
5 stars!!! But I mixed spaghetti instead of penne. Still tasty!
This casserole was a hit with my family! So easy to make and super tasty. Definitely making it again! 🙂
I dunno, seems kinda basic. Like, how’s that really a ‘hit’?
Glad to hear it was a hit! We loved it too, so comforting!
Did you say 3 cups of pasta? Wow that’s a lot! I’ll try it but seems excessive.
3 cups? That’s so much pasta! Are sure it won’t be too dry? 🤔
I thought so too, but maybe it’s just the right amount for a family meal. Can’t wait to try it!
This casserole is so easy and delicious! My kids loved it.
Just okay. I’ve had better casseroles. Wouldn’t make it again.
This casserole is a lifesaver! Super easy and my kids loved it!
I had to leave it in 10 mins longer and it was still not brown. Sad. 🙁
I used leftover turkey instead of chicken. Still turned out great!
Tasty and filling! Perfect for leftovers. I swear I could eat this every day!
I totally agree! It’s one of my favorites too! Easy to make and always comes out great!
Not as good as I hoped. The cream of mushroom soup was super mushy.
I actually loved it! Maybe let it cook a little longer next time? The cream of mushroom can be a bit weird, but I thought it was nice!
I dunno about using that cream of mushroom stuff, kinda gross. Can I use something else?
Chicken? Casserole? I thought it was pasta salad? I’m confused.
This is a great recipe! So comforting. Reminds me of my grandma’s cooking!
Just made this tonight. Expecting leftovers for lunch tomorrow!
Hmm, IDK about cream of mushroom soup. Isn’t it kinda gross? I prefer real mushrooms.
That sounds great! Leftovers are the best part! What did you serve it with?
Simple and quick. I added some veggies and it turned out great! My kids loved it.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner! Easy-peasy.
Not for me. Too cheesy and heavy. But if you like cheesy… then go for it!
Soo good! I added some broccoli for extra veggies. Will make again!
That sounds delicious! Broccoli is a great addition for a healthy touch. Can’t wait to try it myself!
I forgot the cheese! 🙈 Still tasted good tho.
Cheese or no cheese, it sounds delish! Sometimes you gotta improvise. 😊
Would rather have tacos. Just saying.
Tacos are great, but this casserole is a comfort food classic! Give it a try!
Easy peasy! My terminally picky husband even ate it! haha
Haha, that’s awesome! It’s always great when you can please a picky eater! 😊
Why use chicken? What about tofu? Is that not a thing? 🤔