There’s something incredibly heartwarming about a bubbling, golden-topped casserole fresh from the oven. This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe nails that cozy, comforting vibe with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheddar cheese—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day.

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 Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this casserole—how the house filled with the irresistible aroma of cheese and herbs, and how everyone rushed to the table with a smile. It’s that kind of reliable recipe that not only tastes amazing but fits perfectly into busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy, cheesy, with tender chicken and soft noodles, it’s a soul-satisfying dish.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients on hand—making it easy to whip up anytime.
Veggie Boost: Adding broccoli gives this dish a nice pop of green and nutrition without any fuss.
Customizable: Whether you want to swap the pasta or add spices, it’s a great canvas for your own spin.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe plays its part to create the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and just a little bit of veggie crunch. Here’s a quick look at why these ingredients come together so well—and a few tips from my own kitchen.

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: The spiral shape is perfect for trapping that creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Broccoli Florets: Adding them towards the end of cooking keeps them crisp-tender and vibrant green.
Unsalted Butter: Gives the base of the roux a clean, rich taste without unwanted saltiness.
Yellow Onion: Gently caramelized, adds subtle sweetness to balance the cheese.
All-Purpose Flour: The secret to that smooth, thickened sauce we all love in casseroles.
Chicken Broth & Whole Milk: These liquids combine for a creamy base that’s rich but light enough to complement the chicken.
Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder: Just enough herbal and savory depth to punch up the flavor without overpowering.
Cooked Chicken Breast: The protein star of the show, cooked chicken adds hearty texture and taste.
Cheddar Cheese: The melty, flavorful crown on top and within the casserole that makes it irresistibly gooey.

📝

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 the things I love most about this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over time, I’ve tweaked it with different cheeses, added spices, or swapped in veggies, and each version has been a hit. Don’t hesitate to make it truly yours!

Variation: I’ve often stirred in some cooked mushrooms or swapped cheddar for a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan—both add great flavor and texture.
Dietary Swap: Use gluten-free pasta and flour if you need to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Seasonal Veggie: Try green beans or cauliflower instead of broccoli for a seasonal twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy 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: Boil Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions for al dente. About two minutes before the pasta is done, toss in those bite-size broccoli florets. Draining and quickly rinsing everything with cold water stops the cooking so you keep that perfect tender-crisp texture.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté chopped onion until soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in flour and whisk continuously for 30 seconds to cook out that raw flour taste.

Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, adding your Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking as the sauce thickens over about 3-5 minutes—smooth and creamy is the goal here!

Step 3: Mix and Layer

Remove the skillet from heat, then fold in your cooked chicken, pasta, broccoli, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Transfer this decadent mixture into a buttered 13x9-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake in a 375°F oven for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes—until the casserole is bubbling, golden, and irresistibly cheesy.

Top Tip

I’ve made this recipe so many times that I’ve learned a few tricks to keep it from getting soggy and to bring out the best flavors every time.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Stick to al dente, and rinse with cold water right after draining to halt cooking and prevent mushiness in the casserole.
Make a Smooth Sauce: Whisk constantly when adding liquids to keep lumps from forming for that silky texture.
Cheese Timing: Mix half the cheese into the filling for melty goodness inside, and reserve the rest for a bubbly, crispy top.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes out of the oven to set up—it makes scooping easier and flavors meld perfectly.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

cheesy chicken casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving—it adds a fresh burst of color and a mild herbal note that cuts through the richness nicely.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, or steamed green beans for some extra veggies on the side. Sometimes, a crusty slice of garlic bread rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve doubled the recipe in a deeper dish and sprinkled toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese on top before baking—adds a crunchy, golden crust that impresses every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I transfer leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They keep well for about 3-4 days and reheat nicely without drying out if you add a splash of milk when warming.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well—just skip baking it first. Assemble everything, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it covered at 375°F until hot, then uncover for the last few minutes to melt the cheese atop.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep moisture in, adding a tiny splash of milk if the casserole looks dry. A microwave works too, but I prefer oven reheating for maintaining that freshly baked texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta in the Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini works great because its spirals catch the sauce, you can swap in penne, elbow macaroni, or even shells. Just be sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushiness.

Is it better to use fresh or cooked chicken for this recipe?

Cooked chicken is best here, whether it’s leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie, or chicken breast you’ve cooked and chopped yourself. It keeps the casserole from getting watery and ensures even heating.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free or low-fat?

You can! Swap whole milk for an unsweetened plant-based milk like oat or almond, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. For a lower-fat version, try reduced-fat cheese and milk, though the casserole may be less rich and creamy.

How long can I store leftovers, and what's the best way to reheat?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven covered with foil at 350°F or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy and noodles tender.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe has become one of those go-to dishes that I turn to when I want comfort, convenience, and tasty results all in one. It’s satisfying, doesn’t take forever, and brings everyone to the table happy and full. Trust me, once you try making it with your own twist, it might just become a household favorite for your family too.