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Wide wavy egg noodles and cooked chicken chunks completely enveloped in a thick, rich ivory-colored cream sauce.
FL Recipes

Ultimate Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

This ultimate Chicken Noodle Casserole features wide wavy egg noodles, tender chicken chunks, a thick ivory-colored cream sauce, bright vegetables, and a toasted golden-brown crushed cracker topping. A perfect, family-friendly comfort dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

Base Foundation
  • 12 oz wide wavy egg noodles Cooked al dente
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For searing chicken
Thick Ivory Cream Sauce & Veggies
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream Room temperature
  • 1 cup diced orange carrots
  • 1 cup bright green sweet peas Frozen, thawed
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
Topping & Garnish
  • 1.5 cups crushed crackers Ritz or similar buttery round crackers
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh green parsley flakes Finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Rectangular Ceramic Baking Dish (9x13 inch) Essential for even baking and presentation.
  • 1 Large Skillet Used for searing the chicken and building the thick cream sauce.
  • 1 Large Pot For boiling the wide wavy egg noodles.

Method
 

Preparation and Cooking
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the wide wavy egg noodles 1-2 minutes shy of package instructions (al dente). Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken breast chunks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sear for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned and mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Melt 4 tbsp of butter and sauté the diced orange carrots for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the butter and whisk constantly for 1 minute.
  4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while continually whisking. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until you achieve a thick ivory-colored cream sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove skillet from heat. Gently fold in the cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, and bright green sweet peas until completely enveloped in the sauce. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch rectangular ceramic baking dish.
  6. Toss the crushed crackers with 2 tbsp of melted butter. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole, then layer the buttery cracker crumbs on top. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbling and you have a toasted golden-brown crushed cracker topping. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalProtein: 34gFat: 32gFiber: 4g

Notes

Protect the Peas: Fold the peas in at the very end off the heat to preserve their bright green color.
Cheese Placement: Putting the cheese under the crackers allows the crackers to toast properly without burning the cheese.
Keyword Chicken and Noodles,chicken noodle casserole,Creamy Casserole

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