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Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole

Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

Bity
This creamy chicken pasta casserole recipe is a family favorite that has been passed down through generations. It’s one of my favorite recipes to make when I have time and am craving comfort food.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Main dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 1045 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups shredded chicken breast
  • 4 cups about 300g of pasta (penne, rigatoni, use your favorite short pasta)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 diced small onion
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup milk I used whole
  • 3 cups grated cheese cheddar, Colby jack, swiss, or a combination, I used a combination of Emmental (great for melting) and cheddar (great flavor)
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • STEP 1: Cook and shred the chicken if you haven’t done so already. In a medium/large pot, boil some water and add the chicken breast. Allow the chicken to cook thoroughly (around 20 minutes depending on the amount and size of the chicken breast). Strain and allow to cool down. Once chilled, shred with a fork or with your fingers. Note: you can use leftover chicken for this recipe if you have any or you can roast the chicken and then shred it if you prefer to add some color.
  • STEP 2: Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, start by boiling some water to cook the pasta. Add some olive oil and salt. Once boiling adds the pasta and cooks per instructions in the package.
  • STEP 3: Once pasta is thoroughly cooked, strain and cool down with cold water. Leave the pasta in the same pot covered in cold water. This will stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking to each other while we prepare the sauce and chicken.
  • STEP 4: Preheat your oven to 180ºC/350ºF and grease a casserole tray with olive oil. Set aside.
  • STEP 5: In a large pot, over medium/high heat, sauté the onion and garlic in the butter (you might want to add just a splash of olive oil to prevent the butter from browning). Cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  • STEP 6: Add flour and stir, cook for an additional minute.
  • STEP 7: Add the milk bit by bit and whisk vigorously to prevent any lumps. Add the sour cream and continue to whisk until thick.
  • STEP 8: Add the cheese or cheeses and stir until they start to melt. You might want to save some cheese to coat the top of the casserole and to have that beautiful gratin finish.
  • STEP 9: Lastly, add the chicken, pasta, red pepper flakes, and salt if needed. Toss around and coat the pasta and chicken evenly.
  • STEP 10: Transfer the pasta onto the casserole dish and top with a coat of the leftover cheeses. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until the cheese starts browning and bubbling.
  • STEP 11: Allow cooling for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

This casserole is delicious as is, but there are a few variations you could try to change things up. For instance, you could swap out the chicken for another protein, like shrimp or beef. You could also use a different type of pasta, like rigatoni or shells. And if you're looking for a little more veggies, you could add in some chopped spinach or broccoli. So many possibilities!

Nutrition

Calories: 1045kcalCarbohydrates: 103gProtein: 58gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 1477mgPotassium: 730mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1293IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 814mgIron: 3mg
Keyword chicken and pasta casserole, chicken casserole with pasta, chicken with pasta casserole
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