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)

Nothing quite hits the spot like a warm, cheesy dinner bubbling out of the oven, and this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe does just that. It blends tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and gooey cheddar with perfectly cooked rotini pasta for a dish that’s both comforting and effortlessly satisfying.

A close-up view of a pasta bake in a clear glass rectangular dish, filled with three main layers visible: creamy light orange cheese sauce mixed with pale yellow spiral rotini pasta swirled with pieces of light beige chicken and bright green broccoli florets, topped with scattered small chopped parsley leaves. A wooden spoon lifts a portion showing a thick, saucy, and mixed texture. The dish rests on a white marbled texture surface. 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

From my first time making this casserole, I was hooked. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight yet special enough to share with family. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your dinner rotation.

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday staples you probably have on hand, making it super convenient.
One-Dish Meal: Combines protein, veggies, and carbs for a balanced dinner in one pan.
Customizable Comfort: You can swap veggies or cheese to suit your taste or what’s in the fridge.
Family Friendly: Kid-approved and loved by adults, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make ahead.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This casserole comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that harmonize beautifully. Each plays a key role to ensure flavors and textures balance perfectly—from creamy sauce to tender pasta and fresh broccoli.

Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked rotini pasta spirals, a handful of fresh broccoli florets, a few tablespoons of unsalted butter resting on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of chopped yellow onion, a small white bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing low sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl with whole milk, a small white bowl with dried Italian seasoning, a small white bowl with garlic powder, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of black pepper, a pile of chopped cooked chicken breast on a white ceramic plate, and a small white bowl filled with shredded cheddar cheese, all arranged symmetrically and proportionally, 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: I love rotini for casseroles because its spiral shape holds onto creamy sauce perfectly, giving every bite a saucy kiss.
Broccoli florets: Adds color, crunch, and nutrients; adding them at the end of the pasta boil keeps them bright and tender-crisp.
Unsalted butter: A key for making the creamy roux base, butter brings richness while controlling saltiness.
Yellow onion: Sautéing onion builds depth and sweetness, elevating the entire dish.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce, creating that luscious consistency without lumps.
Low sodium chicken broth: Adds that savory chicken flavor without overpowering, and keeps salt levels in check.
Whole milk: Makes the sauce creamy and smooth—feel free to substitute with a milk alternative, but whole milk gives best texture.
Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper: Elevate the flavor with a balanced seasoning mix that complements chicken and cheese beautifully.
Cooked chicken breast: Lean protein that’s perfect in casseroles; using leftovers or rotisserie chicken saves time.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty cheddar adds that gooey, golden top and rich flavor sensation everyone loves.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often switch up the veggies or cheese depending on what my family likes or what’s seasonal.

Variation: When I want a little extra comfort, I swap broccoli for mushrooms and add a pinch of smoked paprika—it’s a smoky, savory twist my crew adores.
Dairy-Free Option: Use your favorite plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese, and it still comes out creamy and satisfying.
Protein Swap: Try shredded rotisserie turkey or leftover ham if chicken isn’t handy.
Spice it Up: Toss in a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a subtle kick without overwhelming the dish.

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

The image shows a large silver pot with four main sections of food inside. The first section has green broccoli florets mixed with light beige spiral pasta. The second section is a pile of shredded orange-yellow cheese. The third section contains pieces of light beige cooked meat. The fourth section has a creamy white sauce with visible herbs. A wooden spoon with a red silicone head rests partially in the sauce section. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more shredded cheese on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli to Perfection

First, get your pasta going in a big pot of salted boiling water. The salt seasons the pasta and helps with flavor. About two minutes before the pasta finishes, toss in your broccoli florets so they steam just right—tender yet with a bit of crunch. Drain and rinse everything under cold water to stop the cooking and keep that bright green color. This little trick also prevents the casserole from becoming mushy later.

Step 2: Build a Creamy Base with a Roux Sauce

While your pasta simmers, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and gently soften the chopped onion. I like to stir slowly and patiently—soft onions really bring out the flavor. Next, whisk in the flour, letting it cook for about 30 seconds to get rid of any raw taste. Then slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly so your sauce thickens smoothly without lumps. Once thickened, add in your Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a flavor punch.

Step 3: Combine Everything for a Cozy Mix

Take the pan off the heat and fold in the cooked chicken, pasta, broccoli, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This step is where the magic happens—the cheese melts into the sauce creating that fantastic creamy texture.

Step 4: Bake Your Casserole to Golden, Melty Perfection

Transfer your mixture to a greased 13x9-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top—you’ll want a beautiful, bubbly golden crust once it bakes. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, removing the foil to bake 5 minutes more for that irresistible cheese melt and browning you see in the best casseroles.

Top Tip

After making this casserole countless times, I’ve picked up a few handy tips that take this dish from good to outstanding—don’t skip these!

Rinse Pasta with Cold Water: This stops the cooking process and keeps broccoli crisp, which really elevates the texture contrast.
Cook Flour Thoroughly: Cooking the flour a bit before adding liquids eliminates that raw flour taste and prevents lumps.
Cover During Baking First: Prevents the casserole from drying out and helps the cheese melt evenly before browning.
Use Sharp Cheddar: It packs more flavor so the dish doesn’t feel bland, especially important with mild veggies like broccoli.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

chicken noodle casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley or chives over the casserole right before serving—they add a pop of color and a fresh touch that contrasts nicely with the casserole’s richness.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or simple garlic bread. I sometimes whip up a quick cucumber and tomato salad for some tang and crunch to balance the cheesy comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I like serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a pretty presentation. It feels a little luxe but is just as comforting—and leftovers reheat perfectly in these smaller portions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I cool leftover casserole completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy second dinners.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! I recommend freezing in individual portions or the whole dish covered tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying, uncover near the end so the cheese perks up again. You can also microwave single servings; just cover and heat in short bursts to keep it creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different pasta shapes for this casserole?

Absolutely! While rotini works great for holding sauce with its spirals, you can use penne, elbow macaroni, or even wide egg noodles. Just make sure to adjust cooking time to achieve al dente texture.

How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?

Rinsing your cooked pasta and broccoli under cold water stops them from cooking further and removes excess starch, which helps keep the casserole from becoming soggy. Also, covering with foil during the first part of baking helps retain moisture without drying out the top.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it well, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it ideal for busy days or entertaining. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold from the fridge.

What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?

While sharp cheddar is classic here, you can swap in mozzarella for a milder, gooey melt, or pepper jack for a little spice. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works beautifully too, offering flavor and creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe has been my go-to comfort meal for years, especially when I want something that feels homemade but doesn’t keep me in the kitchen all day. It’s cozy, adaptable, and always hits the right note for family dinners and casual gatherings. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do—it's one of those dishes that turns simple ingredients into something truly special.