Rating: 3.81
(81)

Chicken Pasta Casserole

February 14, 2025

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.

Chicken Pasta Casserole
Chicken Pasta Casserole
3.81 from 81 votes
A delightful and comforting Chicken Pasta Casserole that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy cheese for a satisfying meal.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg
Calories: 400kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Casserole, chicken, pasta
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar ernest.grimes says:

    5 stars
    This casserole is so easy and delicious! My kids loved it!

    1. User avatar gia.kessler1994 says:

      5 stars
      Glad your kids enjoyed it! It’s a great way to get them to eat chicken. 😄

  2. User avatar jerald.bins says:

    3 stars
    I just mixed everything and put in dish, hope it good!!!

  3. User avatar lavera.grady1987 says:

    4 stars
    Best casserole I’ve had in ages! But it’s kinda not like a regular pasta dish, ya know?

  4. 5 stars
    yum!!! +++ so cheesy and delish! 10/10 😋

  5. 1 star
    This recipe makes no sense! Who uses THAT much cheese?? 😂

  6. User avatar richard.stokes27 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t like mushrooms. Can I use something else instead?

  7. 5 stars
    Yummy! I added some garlic and it turned out great! 👍

    1. User avatar luz.considine says:

      5 stars
      Garlic sounds like a great idea! I’ll have to try that next time. 😋

    2. User avatar elroy.hills says:

      2 stars
      I dunno… garlic in a casserole? Sounds weird to me. Just take away from the chicken flavor, ya know?

  8. User avatar Ford Prefect says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know about this one. Cream of mushroom soup? Really? Seems a bit bland to me.

  9. User avatar francesco.swaniawski says:

    3 stars
    Not bad but I think too much cheese. Made it more like a cheese pool. Next time I’ll use less.

  10. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

    4 stars
    Quick and yummy! I added some veggies for color.

  11. 5 stars
    5 stars!!! But I mixed spaghetti instead of penne. Still tasty!

  12. User avatar roscoe.robel18 says:

    5 stars
    This casserole was a hit with my family! So easy to make and super tasty. Definitely making it again! 🙂

    1. User avatar marcelino.gislason2011 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, seems kinda basic. Like, how’s that really a ‘hit’?

    2. User avatar billie.brekke says:

      5 stars
      Glad to hear it was a hit! We loved it too, so comforting!

  13. User avatar wellRespected says:

    4 stars
    Did you say 3 cups of pasta? Wow that’s a lot! I’ll try it but seems excessive.

    1. User avatar terri.carroll98 says:

      3 stars
      3 cups? That’s so much pasta! Are sure it won’t be too dry? 🤔

    2. User avatar Shadowfax says:

      4 stars
      I thought so too, but maybe it’s just the right amount for a family meal. Can’t wait to try it!

  14. User avatar joselyn.morissette1952 says:

    5 stars
    This casserole is so yummy! I added some veggies and it was delish! 10/10!

    1. User avatar myron.waelchi says:

      5 stars
      That sounds amazing! I love adding veggies to my casseroles too. What kind did you use?

  15. User avatar cletus.daugherty44 says:

    5 stars
    This casserole is so easy and delicious! My kids loved it.

  16. User avatar Mike Stand says:

    2 stars
    Just okay. I’ve had better casseroles. Wouldn’t make it again.

  17. User avatar Gail Andrews says:

    4 stars
    I substituted chicken with tofu and it turned out fine. Still tasty!

    1. User avatar yevette.auer says:

      4 stars
      Tofu? In a chicken casserole? That’s a bold choice! I’ve never thought of that. Glad it worked out for you!

  18. User avatar wyatt.oconner1954 says:

    5 stars
    This casserole is a lifesaver! Super easy and my kids loved it!

  19. User avatar Hoa Schoen says:

    2 stars
    I had to leave it in 10 mins longer and it was still not brown. Sad. 🙁

  20. User avatar charmaine.williamson89 says:

    4 stars
    I used leftover turkey instead of chicken. Still turned out great!

  21. User avatar norbert.beahan36 says:

    5 stars
    Tasty and filling! Perfect for leftovers. I swear I could eat this every day!

    1. User avatar sherrell.wunsch says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! It’s one of my favorites too! Easy to make and always comes out great!

  22. User avatar Lumberjack says:

    2 stars
    Not as good as I hoped. The cream of mushroom soup was super mushy.

    1. User avatar The Pirates says:

      4 stars
      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!

  23. User avatar carmen.barton says:

    3 stars
    I dunno about using that cream of mushroom stuff, kinda gross. Can I use something else?

  24. User avatar Falmer Archer says:

    3 stars
    I found it too creamy. Maybe less soup next time?

  25. User avatar Deandre Tillman says:

    5 stars
    Easy peasy! My husband said I’m the best cook now. 😂

    1. User avatar melany.mante49 says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! I love how easy this is to make too! My kids are gonna love it. 😊

    2. 2 stars
      Best cook? Really? It’s just a casserole. 😂 Just wait till your husband tries my lasagna!

  26. 2 stars
    Chicken? Casserole? I thought it was pasta salad? I’m confused.

  27. User avatar andy.macgyver8 says:

    5 stars
    This is a great recipe! So comforting. Reminds me of my grandma’s cooking!

  28. User avatar earle.mosciski says:

    4 stars
    Just made this tonight. Expecting leftovers for lunch tomorrow!

    1. 2 stars
      Hmm, IDK about cream of mushroom soup. Isn’t it kinda gross? I prefer real mushrooms.

    2. User avatar Great Fairy says:

      5 stars
      That sounds great! Leftovers are the best part! What did you serve it with?

  29. User avatar mauricio.padberg68 says:

    4 stars
    Simple and quick. I added some veggies and it turned out great! My kids loved it.

  30. User avatar The Allitnils says:

    4 stars
    Perfect for a weeknight dinner! Easy-peasy.

  31. User avatar foster.ebert22 says:

    4 stars
    Easy recipe, but my pasta got overcooked. Maybe instructions should specify less time for lighter pasta?

    1. User avatar issac.roberts83 says:

      4 stars
      I had the same issue with my pasta too! Maybe the cooking time should be adjusted for those using different kinds of pasta. Thanks for bringing it up!

  32. User avatar toney.price1967 says:

    5 stars
    This was super easy to make! My kids loved it. Will definitely make again!

  33. User avatar takisha.schiller says:

    4 stars
    So tasty! I added some veggies and it turned out great. Might be my new go-to recipe.

  34. 5 stars
    Yummy! But I use chicken thighs instead of breast, more juicy. 😋

    1. User avatar Pasta Fasta says:

      5 stars
      Chicken thighs are a great choice! Juicy and full of flavor! 🤤

  35. User avatar norberto.goyette says:

    2 stars
    Not for me. Too cheesy and heavy. But if you like cheesy… then go for it!

  36. 5 stars
    Soo good! I added some broccoli for extra veggies. Will make again!

    1. 5 stars
      That sounds delicious! Broccoli is a great addition for a healthy touch. Can’t wait to try it myself!

  37. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

    3 stars
    I forgot the cheese! 🙈 Still tasted good tho.

    1. User avatar florencio.russel14 says:

      5 stars
      Cheese or no cheese, it sounds delish! Sometimes you gotta improvise. 😊

  38. User avatar ashely.shanahan40 says:

    1 star
    Would rather have tacos. Just saying.

    1. User avatar claude.schoen21 says:

      4 stars
      Tacos are great, but this casserole is a comfort food classic! Give it a try!

  39. User avatar yellowjacket says:

    5 stars
    Easy peasy! My terminally picky husband even ate it! haha

    1. User avatar rocco.blanda1991 says:

      5 stars
      Haha, that’s awesome! It’s always great when you can please a picky eater! 😊

  40. User avatar malcom.mante1969 says:

    4 stars
    I watched my cousin make it, and it looks so much more harder than it is.

  41. User avatar Falmer Spellsword says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know about this. Cream of mushroom soup? Really? Seems kinda weird to me.

  42. User avatar demetrius.armstrong says:

    1 star
    This ain’t real cooking. Just dumping stuff together. 🙄

  43. 3 stars
    Why use chicken? What about tofu? Is that not a thing? 🤔

  44. User avatar terrilyn.hayes says:

    4 stars
    Not bad, but I think I burnt it a lil bit 😅

  45. User avatar brain.nikolaus26 says:

    2 stars
    Watched my friend make this, looked relaxin, but I’m not a fan of casserole. Too mushy for me.

  46. 2 stars
    Eh, wasn’t really my thing. I prefer regular pasta with red sauce.

  47. 4 stars
    I dunno, can you make it vegetarian? Chickpeas instead of chicken? Asking for a friend.

  48. User avatar aurelio.thiel60 says:

    4 stars
    Awesome casserole! I substituted the cheese for mozzarella and added olives. 😍

  49. User avatar roscoe.doyle says:

    3 stars
    Not enough flavor. I think it needs more spices. Maybe garlic or onion?

  50. User avatar sammie.bednar says:

    5 stars
    I love this! Great comfort food. My kids gobbled it up! 😍

  51. 2 stars
    Needs more flavor! It’s kinda bland. Maybe add some spices?

  52. User avatar buck.miller says:

    5 stars
    Cheese! Yum! Can I put more cheese?!

    1. User avatar zona.mayert85 says:

      3 stars
      I thought we weren’t supposed to overload on cheese? It can get too greasy, you know.

    2. User avatar Glossu "Beast" Rabban says:

      5 stars
      More cheese is always a good idea! Just make sure it melts well. Can’t wait to try it with extra cheddar!

  53. User avatar toby.quitzon says:

    1 star
    Chicken and pasta together? Is it really gonna work??

  54. 5 stars
    I made this for dinner last night and everyone loved it! Super easy and tasty. Will make again!

    1. User avatar Falmer Gloomlurker says:

      5 stars
      So glad to hear that! This is one of my family favorites too! 😍

  55. User avatar callie.nader1978 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! I used rotini and it turned out perfect!

  56. User avatar sonny.skiles5 says:

    5 stars
    This was super easy! My kids loved it! Will definitely make again.

    1. User avatar Leto II Atreides says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad to hear that! It’s always a win when the kids enjoy it. 😊

3.81 from 81 votes
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