How to make a delicious chicken broccoli noodle casserole
Table of Contents
As the cool autumn breeze drifts through the kitchen window, the aroma of a warm and comforting chicken broccoli noodle casserole fills the air. It beckons you to gather your loved ones and indulge in a hearty, family-friendly meal. This recipe is a true embodiment of the cozy, feel-good flavors that make comfort food so irresistible.
Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or seeking a dish that will impress at your next potluck, this chicken broccoli noodle casserole is the answer. With its tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy egg noodles enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to savor the comforting goodness that will have your family coming back for seconds.
Key Takeaways
- This chicken broccoli noodle casserole is a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
- The casserole combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and egg noodles in a creamy sauce.
- The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 40 minutes, yielding 6 servings.
- This comfort food casserole is easy to make and sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious, home-cooked meal.
- The recipe can be adapted to use up leftover chicken or turkey, making it a versatile and budget-friendly option.
Understanding the Perfect Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole
Making the ultimate chicken broccoli noodle casserole is a fun journey. It’s a meal that everyone loves. It has tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and pasta in a creamy sauce. Let’s explore what makes this dish so amazing.
Key Components for Success
The secret to a great chicken broccoli noodle casserole is its mix of ingredients. Chicken is the main protein, broccoli adds color and nutrients, and pasta gives it a starchy base. The creamy sauce brings it all together.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
This casserole is not only tasty but also healthy. Each serving has about 580 calories, 29g of fat, 30g of carbs, and 49g of protein. It’s full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the broccoli and other veggies.
Why This Recipe Works
This casserole is loved by all because it’s both delicious and comforting.It offers the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Every bite is a joy, from the chicken to the pasta, broccoli, and sauce.
“This chicken casserole recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will leave your family satisfied and content.”
Essential Ingredients for Your Casserole
Creating the perfect broccoli pasta bake or creamy chicken noodle dish starts with the right ingredients. You need protein, pasta, vegetables, and dairy. Each one is crucial for a tasty one-pot meal. Let’s look at the key ingredients that make your casserole special.
Protein and Pasta Components
The heart of your casserole is the protein and pasta. Use 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, from a rotisserie or canned. For pasta, 6 ounces of egg noodles or 1 cup of ditalini pasta is ideal. They add the right texture and bite.
Vegetables and Dairy Elements
For freshness and creaminess, add 3 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of shredded carrots, and 1 diced yellow onion. Mix in 1 1/2 cups of milk and 1 cup of sour cream for a creamy sauce.
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning to enhance flavors. Chicken broth, butter, flour, and a mix of Cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan cheese will tie everything together.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked Shredded Chicken | 2 cups |
| Egg Noodles or Ditalini Pasta | 6 oz or 1 cup |
| Broccoli Florets | 3 cups |
| Shredded Carrots | 1 cup |
| Yellow Onion | 1 (diced) |
| Milk | 1 1/2 cups |
| Sour Cream | 1 cup |
| Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Poultry Seasoning | To taste |
| Chicken Broth | As needed |
| Butter, Flour | As needed |
| Cheddar, Provolone, Parmesan Cheese | As needed |
With these ingredients, you’re set to make a delicious broccoli pasta bake, creamy chicken noodle dish, or one-pot meal. Get ready to enjoy the flavors and have a perfect casserole experience.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make this tasty and family-friendly chicken dinner, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Preparing the chicken broccoli noodle casserole is easy with the right equipment.
- A large pot for boiling the pasta
- A large oven-safe pot or saucepan for cooking the sauce and assembling the casserole
- A 9×13 inch casserole dish or 2-quart baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning the ingredients
- A cheese grater for shredding the cheddar cheese
With these simple kitchen tools, you’re ready to make a delicious and family-friendly chicken broccoli noodle casserole. It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next meal.
| Prep Time | Additional Time | Total Time | Servings | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 10 mins | 30 mins | 8 | 8 cups |
“This easy chicken dinner is a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy noodles is simply irresistible.”
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making the perfect chicken casserole is simpler than you think. Follow these steps to create a creamy, cheesy dish your family will adore.
Preparing the Chicken and Noodles
Start by cooking and shredding the chicken. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Once cooked, shred it into small pieces. Then, boil pasta until it’s al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, sauté onions and carrots until tender. Melt butter, then whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly, until it thickens. For extra creaminess, add sour cream or cream of chicken soup.
Assembly Instructions
In a large baking dish, layer noodles, chicken, and broccoli. Pour the creamy sauce over everything. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. For a crispy topping, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
FAQ
What are the key components for a successful chicken broccoli noodle casserole?
A great chicken broccoli noodle casserole needs protein (chicken), veggies (broccoli, carrots), pasta, and a creamy sauce.
What is the nutritional value per serving of this dish?
Each serving has about 580 calories, 29g fat, 30g carbs, and 49g protein.
Why does this recipe work well?
It’s a hit because it mixes flavors and textures well. It’s a filling one-pot meal.
What are the essential ingredients for the chicken broccoli noodle casserole?
You’ll need 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 6 ounces of egg noodles or 1 cup of ditalini pasta. Also, 3 cups of broccoli florets and 1 cup of shredded carrots are key. Don’t forget 1 yellow onion, 1 1/2 cups of milk, and 1 cup of sour cream. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, and chicken broth. Add butter, flour, and cheese (Cheddar, provolone, Parmesan) too.
What kitchen tools are needed to make this casserole?
You’ll need a large pot for boiling pasta. A big oven-safe pot or saucepan is for cooking the sauce and assembling the casserole. Use a 9×13 inch casserole dish or a 2-quart baking dish. You’ll also need measuring cups and spoons, and a cheese grater.
