Name: Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 12 oz egg noodles; 1 box Stove Top Stuffing (savory herbs flavor); 2 cans mixed vegetables, drained; 1 can Heinz chicken gravy (12 oz can); 1 can cream of chicken soup (family-size can); Salt (to taste); 1 tbsp Butter; 1 tsp Garlic seasoning; 4 cups water (for boiling chicken and noodles)

Jump to Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible comfort of a bubbling, golden-brown Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole. The creamy sauce, the tender chicken, and that cheesy-crisp topping — all wrapped up in a single, soul-soothing dish. This recipe is the definition of savory simplicity, perfect for hectic weekdays or when you want something guaranteed to bring smiles around your table. Did you know that casseroles became popular in the United States during the Great Depression because they stretched ingredients and were easy to prepare? That practicality still holds true today! Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole is a beloved staple not just in my kitchen, but on dinner tables everywhere. If you love my Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake, you’ll be hooked on this one too — it’s quick, affordable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive in and make your next family meal unforgettable!

What is Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole?

Ever wondered how a dish ends up with a name like Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole? With a title this straightforward, there’s no hiding what’s inside! Creamy? Check. Chicken? Check. Noodles? You guessed it — check! It’s like a warm food hug all in one pan. Some say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but let’s be real: this casserole wins over everyone, regardless of their culinary status. Maybe it should be called “That Amazing Dish Everyone Asks for Seconds Of.” Give it a try and see how fast it disappears from your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This

The main reason this Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole shines is its rich, velvety sauce that blankets every bite. It’s a budget-savvy solution too — hearty, filling, and made with convenient pantry staples that won’t break the bank. What really puts this dish over the top are the flavorful layers: juicy shredded chicken, al dente egg noodles, a medley of mixed veggies, and the irresistible combination of creamy soup and savory stuffing. It’s like an entire meal in every forkful! If you loved the hearty feel of my Chicken Alfredo Bake, this casserole brings a similar comfort but with its own unique, homestyle twist. Don’t just take my word for it — gather your ingredients and whip up this delicious classic at home tonight!

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole

Quick Overview

This Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole is your ticket to an easy, tasty family dinner in just over an hour. Its creamy base and crispy, cheesy topping create the ultimate comfort food experience without any complicated steps. You’ll love how quickly everything comes together, and even better — most of it uses ingredients you probably already have on hand! From stovetop to oven, expect about 1 hour from start to finish, including prep and baking time.

Ingredients

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 oz bag of egg noodles
1 box Stove Top Stuffing (savory herbs flavor)
2 cans mixed vegetables, drained
1 (12 oz) can Heinz chicken gravy
1 family-size can cream of chicken soup
Salt, to taste
Butter
Garlic seasoning
Water

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the chicken breasts in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the chicken, along with a knob of butter, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of garlic seasoning. Bring to a boil and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred (about 15-18 minutes).
Remove the cooked chicken and set aside. Shred it using two forks and place the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl or oven-safe pan. Pour about half a cup of the hot chicken water over the chicken to keep it moist.
In the remaining chicken water, boil the egg noodles until almost cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles.
Combine the shredded chicken, drained noodles, mixed vegetables, chicken gravy, and cream of chicken soup in the pan. Stir everything together thoroughly, then season with more salt and garlic to taste.
Prepare the Stove Top Stuffing according to the package instructions.
Spread the prepared stuffing evenly over the casserole mixture in the pan.
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the stuffing for extra flavor and an irresistible golden crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the stuffing is crispy and golden and the casserole is bubbling along the edges.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps set the casserole, making it easier to portion and enjoy.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole

Pair this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to brighten up each bite. Steamed broccoli or honey-glazed carrots make perfect veggie sides, adding color and nutrition to your meal. For bread lovers, a basket of warm dinner rolls or garlic bread is always a crowd-pleasing accompaniment. To drink, consider a light white wine, iced tea, or sparkling lemonade to complement the creamy richness of the casserole.

Top Tips for Perfecting

To make this casserole even easier, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey instead of boiling fresh chicken breasts — a real time-saver! Don’t have egg noodles? Substitute with penne or rotini for a fun twist on texture. Be sure to drain the veggies well to avoid a watery sauce, and always pre-shred your cheese for the best melt (pre-bagged cheese can be less creamy). If you like a little kick, toss in a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Remember, the key to a golden, crispy topping is to bake uncovered for the final minutes. Avoid overbaking, which can dry out the casserole — check for bubbling edges and a golden top!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist, then heat in one-minute intervals until warmed through. For oven reheating, cover the casserole with foil and warm at 350°F until hot, about 20 minutes. Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole also freezes beautifully — just cool it completely, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of boiling fresh chicken breasts?
Yes, both canned chicken and rotisserie chicken work great for this recipe and can help speed up preparation time.

Can I make Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Are there any gluten-free alternatives for this recipe?
You can use gluten-free egg noodles and a gluten-free stuffing mix if needed. Always check your soup and gravy labels to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

What other vegetables can I use?
Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies — peas, carrots, broccoli, or corn all work beautifully in this casserole.

How can I make this casserole lighter or healthier?
Try using reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, skim milk, or more vegetables in place of some noodles for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole is comfort food at its finest: easy, affordable, and full of the cozy flavors families love. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, this dish is destined to become a weeknight staple in your home. Don’t forget to check out our other popular casseroles for even more quick, crowd-pleasing meal ideas. So, grab your baking dish and make tonight’s dinner memorable — your future self (and taste buds) will thank you!