Description

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked pasta dish combining tender cooked chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make casserole is a crowd-pleaser ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, featuring a rich blend of cheddar and Swiss cheese baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups cooked and drained pasta (approximately 2 cups uncooked; penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni works best)

Sauce

3 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
3 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, Swiss, or a combination), with 1/2 cup reserved for topping
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant to build flavor.
Make Roux and Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly add milk and sour cream while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Add Cheese: Stir in the grated cheese into the thickened sauce, allowing it to melt smoothly to create a rich, creamy cheese sauce.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheese evenly on top for a delicious crust.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbling and golden brown, indicating perfect doneness.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.

Notes

Use day-old cooked chicken or leftover chicken for best flavor and texture.
For a creamier sauce, add a little more milk or sour cream as needed.
Feel free to substitute pasta shapes with your favorite varieties, but those listed work best to hold the sauce.
Add vegetables such as peas or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
To make this dish spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken casserole, baked chicken recipe, Paula Deen recipes, cheesy chicken pasta, comfort food casserole