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Easy Chicken Casserole

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole

A rich, creamy, and comforting chicken casserole loaded with tender pasta, melty cheese, and a smooth homemade sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave classic comfort food.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups cooked and drained pasta (about 2 cups uncooked) penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, Swiss, or mix) reserve 1/2 cup for topping
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 3–4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  4. Slowly add the milk and sour cream, whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
  5. Stir in the grated cheese (except the reserved 1/2 cup) and allow it to melt into the sauce.
  6. Add the cooked chicken, pasta, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss until everything is fully coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the reserved cheese on top.
  8. Bake for 20–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden.
  9. Let cool briefly before serving.

Notes

Use a mix of cheeses for deeper flavor. You can also add cooked vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra texture and nutrition.