Description
Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is a comforting and cheesy family-friendly dish that combines tender cooked chicken, pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, this casserole makes a perfect weeknight meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.
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 ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make Roux and Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add the milk and sour cream while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cheese to Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce creating a creamy cheese blend.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, pasta, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture to a prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheese on top to create a golden crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbling and has turned a delicious golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- For easy shredded chicken, cook chicken breasts by poaching or using a slow cooker and shred with forks.
- You can substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta if needed to make it gluten-free.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Using a mixture of cheeses adds more depth and flavor to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy chicken pasta bake, Paula Deen recipes, cheesy chicken casserole, comfort food, baked pasta casserole
