Chicken N Cheese Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Chicken N Cheese Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Featuring tender shredded chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, and a velvety cheese sauce made with cheddar and cream cheese, this casserole is layered with bold flavors and a crispy, golden panko breadcrumb topping. Infused with a hint of Italian seasoning and garlic powder, each bite is bursting with savory goodness. Quick to prepare with just 15 minutes of prep time and baked to perfection in under 40 minutes, this recipe is as easy as it is satisfying. Serve this bubbling casserole fresh from the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of parsley, for a cozy, home-style meal that’s sure to delight the whole family. Perfect for those searching for comforting chicken casserole recipes or hearty pasta bakes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2.5 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side. Let the chicken cool, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3317 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 178.9 g | 229% | |
| Saturated Fat | 98.2 g | 491% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 773 mg | 258% | |
| Sodium | 4362 mg | 190% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 201.4 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.2 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.0 g | ||
| Protein | 223.9 g | 448% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.9 mcg | 35% | |
| Calcium | 2613 mg | 201% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 2420 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
