Description
This comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole combines tender egg noodles, shredded rotisserie chicken, creamy chicken soup, and vibrant vegetables, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy Ritz cracker crumbs. Baked to golden perfection, this hearty casserole is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, delivering warmth and rich flavors in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces egg noodles
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1.5 cups half and half
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 12 ounces frozen peas and carrots
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the egg noodles according to package directions but cook just until al dente, so they maintain a slight firmness during baking.
- Make Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, half and half, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a few generous pinches of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Mix thoroughly until creamy and well blended.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir the cooked egg noodles, shredded rotisserie chicken, and frozen peas and carrots into the creamy sauce mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the casserole for around 20 minutes, or until it is thoroughly warmed and bubbly. Then, broil for 1 to 2 minutes just until the Ritz cracker topping turns a dark golden brown and crisp. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the rotisserie chicken with cooked chicken breasts or thighs if preferred.
- For extra crunch, consider adding some chopped nuts or additional breadcrumbs on top.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free egg noodles and gluten-free crackers.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- If you want to add a spicy kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce mix.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
