Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the creamy richness of cheese, tender shredded chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta? Look no further! This Chicken Breast Pasta Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to impress your family and friends, this recipe is about to become your new go-to culinary masterpiece.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 250g pasta of choice
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add the cooked pasta to the chicken mixture, stirring gently to ensure even coating. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, creating an even layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.
Tips
- Chicken Preparation: For maximum flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken or seasoning and grilling your chicken breasts before shredding for extra depth of taste.
- Pasta Cooking Hack: Cook the pasta just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta and ensures a perfect texture.
- Cheese Upgrade: For a more complex flavor profile, try mixing different types of cheese like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of parmesan.
- Moisture Control: If the casserole seems dry, don't hesitate to add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Crispy Top Secret: For an extra crispy cheese topping, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a light green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
