There's something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy bake that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas and guarantees smiles around the table. This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting classics that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends alike.

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

I’m pretty obsessed with casseroles—they're my secret weapon when I want something that feels like a hug on a plate but doesn't require hours in the kitchen. This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and wholesome, and it always disappears fast! I love that it’s so approachable yet deliciously satisfying.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and a few fresh additions that make the prep easy on even the most rushed days.
Perfectly Creamy: The homemade sauce is velvety without being heavy, and it binds the pasta and chicken beautifully.
Great for Leftovers: It reheats wonderfully, so you can enjoy flavors that deepen day after day.
Family Friendly: Kids and grown-ups both love it, making dinner time a stress-free event.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This casserole showcases a blend of textures and flavors that just click. The pasta holds the sauce well, broccoli adds fresh crunch, and the cheddar cheese melts into every bite, making it irresistibly creamy. Here’s the scoop on each component and why I choose them:

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 clings onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring every forkful bursts with flavor.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh, bite-size pieces add color, nutrition, and a nice textural contrast to the creamy base.
Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich base for the roux without overpowering the dish’s balance.
Yellow Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed just right.
All-purpose Flour: Key to thickening the sauce smoothly without lumps.
Chicken Broth: Infuses the sauce with savory richness—choose low sodium so you can control the salt level.
Whole Milk: Makes the sauce creamy and luscious but keeps it light enough.
Italian Seasoning: A fragrant mix that enhances flavor without any fuss.
Garlic Powder: A subtle savory punch that pairs wonderfully with onion and cheese.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors alive.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Lean protein that’s tender and versatile—using leftovers here works beautifully.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: We split it to mix in some and save some for topping – that golden melty crust is everything.

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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 tweak based on what you have or prefer. I’ve played around with adding different veggies or swapping cheeses, and every version has been delicious in its own way.

Variation: I sometimes swap broccoli for a mix of peas and carrots, which brightens the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness that the whole family enjoys.
Dietary Tip: To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux — it still thickens up beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a subtle heat that balances the creaminess.

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: Boil the Pasta and Broccoli Just Right

First things first, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and keep an eye on it so it cooks al dente — we want it tender but with a little bite. Two minutes before it’s done, toss in the broccoli florets. This trick keeps the broccoli bright and gives it just enough tenderness without turning mushy. Easy clean-up tip: drain everything together and give it a quick rinse in cold water to stop the cooking and keep the colors poppin’.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Butter and Onion

Melt your butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s glistening, add the chopped onion and let it cook low and slow for about 4-5 minutes until it’s soft and sweet. This step is crucial for a rich, flavorful sauce — don’t rush it or you’ll miss out on that natural onion sweetness.

Step 3: Whisk in Flour and Liquids to Make a Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it in quickly so you get a smooth roux—this cooks off the raw flour taste and thickens your sauce perfectly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and whole milk, then season it with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens — be patient; stirring frequently keeps lumps at bay and builds that amazing creamy texture we all crave.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Bake to Perfection

Remove the sauce from heat, then stir in your cooked chicken, pasta, broccoli, and half the cheddar cheese so it melts right in. Transfer this mix into a baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar on top — the cheese on top melts into that irresistible golden crust we all love. Cover it with foil and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 5 minutes. The casserole will be hot, bubbly, and perfectly melted when it’s ready.

Top Tip

Having made this casserole dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make a huge difference in the final dish. Here are some tips that will help you nail it every time:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: I always set my timer slightly less than the package suggests — remember, it cooks more in the oven, so al dente is key.
Use Cold Water to Stop Veggies: Rinsing pasta and broccoli under cold water after boiling stops cooking immediately, preserves texture, and prevents mushiness.
Whisking Matters: When adding flour and liquids, consistent whisking makes the sauce silky and lump-free — trust me, this step pays off!
Let it Rest Before Serving: Though tempting, I let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after baking so it sets slightly, making serving way easier.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

chicken noodle casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a light drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick that balances the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted veggies also complement it nicely, especially carrots or Brussels sprouts.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I like to bake this in individual ramekins — it feels a bit fancy, and everyone gets their own cheesy personal pot. You could also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan on top for a crunchy topping that adds great texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days, which makes for a quick lunch or dinner the next day without any effort.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by baking it first, then cooling completely. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole baking dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheating is best done covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and prevent drying out. If you’re in a hurry, I pop mine in the microwave but add a splash of milk and cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid to keep the sauce creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different pasta shapes for this casserole?

Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding sauce, penne, fusilli, or even egg noodles can work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Is it okay to use leftover roasted chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken is perfect here and can add great flavor, especially if it's seasoned. Just chop it up and use it in place of freshly cooked chicken to save time.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

It’s possible with some swaps: use dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk, dairy-free butter substitute, and a vegan cheese that melts well. The sauce might behave a bit differently, so add thickening agents carefully.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out when baking?

Covering the dish with foil during most of the baking time locks in moisture. Also, the creamy sauce helps retain moisture in the pasta and chicken. Avoid baking uncovered the whole time to prevent dryness.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a true weeknight champion — quick to pull together, comforting, and loved by everyone. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it brings a little warmth and joy to your table. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to casserole too!