Name: Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces rotini pasta; 3 cups broccoli florets (cut into bite-size pieces); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup chopped yellow onion; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 ½ cups whole milk; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 2 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken breast; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 ounces, divided)

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and invites everyone to gather around the table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and fresh broccoli, making it a satisfying meal anyone will love after a busy day.

The image shows a glass dish filled with creamy pasta made of spiral rotini noodles mixed with bright green broccoli pieces and soft, white chunks of chicken. The pasta is coated in a smooth, light orange cheese sauce that makes the dish look rich and moist. There are small bits of chopped onion mixed in, adding a bit of texture. A wooden spoon scoops up a portion of the pasta, showing the layers of noodles and vegetables clearly. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This casserole has become a weeknight favorite in my home because it’s one of those no-fuss, crowd-pleasing meals that feels homemade but comes together so quickly. Plus, it sneaks in some veggies without anyone pitching a fit.

Simple Ingredients: Uses straightforward pantry staples and fresh broccoli for a wholesome dish.
One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks and bakes in a single casserole, making cleanup a breeze.
Kid-Approved Comfort: Creamy sauce and cheesy topping make it irresistible to little ones and adults alike.
Flexible & Customizable: Easy to modify with what you have—swap veggies, change cheeses, or use leftover chicken.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe lies in how these ingredients come together for rich, creamy, and slightly cheesy comfort. Using rotini pasta means all that luscious sauce hugs the spirals perfectly, while broccoli gives a fresh crunch amidst the creamy layers.

Flat lay of fresh rotini pasta spirals, bright green broccoli florets cut into bite-size pieces, three whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, finely chopped yellow onion in a neat pile, a small white ceramic bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl with whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding dried Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl with garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl with fine salt, a small white ceramic bowl with ground black pepper, diced cooked chicken breast pieces, and a small heap of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto sauce and cheese beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Broccoli Florets: Adds vibrant color and a satisfying veggie kick without overpowering the dish.
Unsalted Butter: Essential for making the roux base of the creamy cheese sauce without adding extra salt.
Yellow Onion: Gives a sweet, mellow depth when softened in butter before making the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to creamy perfection—just whisk it in so there are no lumps!
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides savory flavor without making the dish too salty.
Whole Milk: Brings creaminess and richness for that luscious mouthfeel.
Italian Seasoning: A blend that adds herby notes to the sauce without complicating flavors.
Garlic Powder: Adds subtle savory warmth without the fuss of peeling fresh garlic.
Salt & Pepper: To season perfectly and balance all the flavors.
Cooked Chicken Breast: The star protein—ready to go, tender, and perfect in every bite.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Divided for melting into the sauce and crisping on top for cheesy goodness.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love personalizing this casserole depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family is craving. You can easily swap veggies or switch up cheeses to keep it fresh and exciting every time you make it.

Vegetable Swap: Sometimes I add chopped carrots or mushrooms in place of broccoli for a different texture and flavor, and it always works out great.
Cheese Variation: Mixing mozzarella or Monterey Jack with cheddar adds a delightful stretch and creaminess.
Make It Spicy: If you like a little kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for a safe, delicious version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

A stainless steel pot is filled with four main layers arranged side by side: bright green broccoli florets, pale yellow spiral pasta, shredded light brown chicken, and shredded bright orange cheese. A white sauce surrounds the pasta and chicken on the bottom right. A red spatula with a wooden handle rests inside the pot, touching the pasta and chicken. In the top right corner of the image, a white bowl with more shredded orange cheese sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli Together

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and let it cook until al dente according to package directions. About two minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets so they steam perfectly while the pasta finishes. This trick saves time and ensures your broccoli is tender but still has a nice bite. Drain the pasta and broccoli and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. I always like this method because it keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess in my casserole.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent — about 4 to 5 minutes. This adds a sweet base flavor. Then sprinkle the flour over the onions and whisk continuously for about 30 seconds. This cooks out the raw flour taste and will thicken your sauce beautifully.

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk to avoid any lumps, then add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking as the sauce simmers for 3–5 minutes until it thickens up and starts to coat the back of a spoon. This step is key — don't rush it; the sauce’s creamy texture makes the casserole so comforting.

Step 3: Combine Everything and Bake

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked chicken, pasta, broccoli, and half the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything gently but thoroughly, then pour the mixture into a greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Cover with foil to keep it moist.

Bake in your preheated oven at 375°F for 15 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake another 5 minutes to get that bubbly, melted cheese on top. When it’s hot and bubbly, it’s ready to come out. I find this covered-then-uncovered method really helps keep it creamy without drying out the cheese topping.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've found a few secrets to nailing this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe every time, especially when it comes to achieving that perfect creamy texture and balance of flavors.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking pasta al dente and rinsing with cold water stops it from turning mushy in the casserole.
Whisk the Sauce Well: Keep whisking while adding liquids and as it simmers to avoid lumps in your cheese sauce.
Cover While Baking: Covering the dish for most of the bake keeps moisture locked in, so the casserole stays creamy.
Use Fresh Herbs or Seasonings: A pinch of extra Italian seasoning or fresh parsley on top brightens the cheesy richness.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Chicken Noodle Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving—they add a pop of color and a fresh, mild bite that cuts through the richness nicely. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the whole dish and wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands well on its own, but I often serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans for extra veggies. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is an easy favorite side that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings or potlucks, I've baked this casserole inside individual ramekins—people love having their own personal cheesy nest. You can also layer it with a crunchy topping of breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan before baking for a delightful contrast in texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let leftovers cool completely, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole stays creamy, although you might notice it’s a little thicker the next day—that’s easy to fix when reheating.

Freezing

This casserole freezes quite well. I like to assemble it but hold off on baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it covered directly from frozen, adding a little extra baking time until it’s hot and bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover loosely with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. If it looks too thick, stirring in a splash of milk before warming brings back that lovely creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?

Absolutely! While rotini works great because it holds sauce well, you can swap in penne, shells, or even egg noodles depending on your preference and what you have on hand. Just cook to al dente and adjust cooking times as needed.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lower in fat?

To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based milk like oat or almond and substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative. For lower fat, try reducing the butter amount and using part-skim milk. Keep in mind that changes may slightly alter the creamy texture.

What’s the best way to cook chicken for this casserole?

You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly pan-cook chicken breasts seasoned simply with salt and pepper. I often poach chicken in broth for juicy, tender pieces that blend seamlessly into the casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready. Just add a little extra bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge to ensure it’s heated through.

Final Thoughts

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is my go-to comfort meal when I want something cozy without hours in the kitchen. It’s reliable, crowd-pleasing, and lets you get creative with what’s on hand. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it—give it a try and watch it quickly become a family favorite in your home too.