Name: Creamy 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)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy meal that hugs you from the inside out, and that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe with you. It’s a comforting blend of tender chicken, broccoli, and cheesy pasta baked into pure deliciousness that always feels like a hug on a plate.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I fell in love with this casserole because it balances creamy richness with fresh veggies, and it’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for company. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to gobble up happily.

Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy cheese sauce makes every bite luscious and soothing — pure comfort in a dish.
Broccoli Boost: Adding broccoli right into the noodles means you get veggie goodness without making a separate side.
One-Dish Wonder: It’s all baked together in one pan, so you spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying.
Flexible and Friendly: You can easily swap chicken for turkey or use different cheeses, tailoring it to your tastes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This casserole blends classic comfort ingredients with easy-to-find staples—each one playing a key role. The broccoli adds freshness, the chicken provides protein, and the cheese sauce ties it all together like a warm, cozy blanket.

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: The spiral shapes trap the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Broccoli Florets: Bite-sized pieces cook just right alongside the pasta, adding texture and nutrition.
Unsalted Butter: Essential for forming that silky roux to thicken our sauce without overpowering flavors.
Chopped Yellow Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed, enhancing the sauce’s character.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a creamy consistency without lumps.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides savory depth while keeping saltiness in check for balanced flavor.
Whole Milk: Creamy base that makes the sauce rich without getting too heavy.
Italian Seasoning: A blend that softly spices up the sauce with classic herbs like oregano and basil.
Garlic Powder: Adds that subtle garlic punch without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt and Pepper: To lift and fine-tune the overall taste.
Chopped Cooked Chicken Breast: Tender, lean protein that makes the casserole hearty and filling.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Divided use ensures melty goodness inside and a golden crust on top.

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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

I love making this casserole my own by swapping ingredients or adjusting the cheese. You can play with different veggies or cheeses to keep things fresh and exciting — it’s super forgiving!

Vegetable Variation: I’ve swapped broccoli for green beans or even spinach when I want a different texture — all work beautifully.
Dairy-Free Option: For friends with dietary restrictions, using a plant-based milk and vegan cheese works surprisingly well here.
Make It Spicy: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives the casserole a nice subtle kick that wakes up the flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy 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 Pasta and Broccoli to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the rotini pasta following the package instructions for al dente texture. About two minutes before it finishes, toss in the broccoli florets. This trick cooks them just right, so they’re tender but still have a little crunch. When done, drain everything and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and keep the colors vibrant.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce Base

While the pasta cooks, melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Once it’s melted, add chopped onions and sauté, stirring occasionally until they soften and turn translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Then sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 30 seconds to cook out that raw flour taste — this step makes a smooth roux.

Next, slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking as the sauce bubbles and thickens over 3-5 minutes. You want it creamy and coat the back of your spoon but not too thick.

Step 3: Combine and Prepare for Baking

Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the cooked chicken, pasta and broccoli, and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. This makes the filling super cheesy and flavorful. Pour the entire mixture into a 13x9-inch baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese to get that golden bubbly crust we all love.

Step 4: Bake to Golden, Cheesy Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated 375° F oven for 15 minutes. Then, uncover and bake another 5 minutes to let the cheese melt and get bubbly. The smell wafting from your oven will be irresistible! Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so it sets up nicely.

Top Tip

While cooking this casserole many times, I realized that the timing of adding broccoli and the flour-whisking technique make all the difference in texture and flavor.

Broccoli Timing: Adding the broccoli just a couple minutes before pasta finishes keeps it perfectly tender, not mushy — don’t overcook!
Whisk the Flour Well: Cooking the flour for a bit before adding liquid prevents any grainy texture and keeps that sauce smooth.
Don’t Skip Rinsing: After draining, rinse pasta and broccoli with cold water to stop cooking and keep vibrant color and texture.
Cheese Division: Splitting the cheese between mix and topping means melty interior and irresistibly golden browned top.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Creamy Chicken Noodle - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like sprinkling a bit of fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving — it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the creamy richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a simple side of roasted carrots or a light vinaigrette-dressed cucumber salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with breadcrumbs and a bit of Parmesan for a crispy golden crust — it feels extra cozy and looks fancy without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I transfer leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, you’ll want to add a splash of milk to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well, though I recommend freezing before baking. Wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. This keeps the texture fresh and sauce creamy.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350° F, covered with foil for about 20 minutes, adding a drizzle of milk before warming to help maintain creaminess. Microwave works too for quick meals, but oven reheating gives the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?

Absolutely! While rotini works great because it holds sauce well, you can substitute penne, elbow macaroni, or even egg noodles depending on what you have on hand.

How do I make this casserole ahead of time?

The best way is to assemble the entire casserole and cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving for fresh, bubbly results.

Can I add other vegetables to the Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe?

Definitely! Vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers make wonderful additions. Just be mindful of their cooking times and add accordingly to maintain the right texture.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheat leftovers in the oven covered with foil at 350° F, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy. Microwave with a cover and stirring halfway through works for quicker meals.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe feels like a classic for good reason — it’s reliably comforting, easy to pull together, and endlessly adaptable. I always come back to it on chilly evenings or when feeding a crowd because it just works. I hope you give it a try and find your own cozy moments around this delicious dish!