Description
Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and tender baked dish featuring cooked chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce made with sour cream, milk, and a blend of cheeses. This comforting American dinner casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 cups chicken, cooked, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups pasta, cooked and drained (approximately 2 cups uncooked; penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni works well)
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 cheese, grated (cheddar, Colby jack, Swiss, or a combination), with 1/2 cup reserved for sprinkling on top
Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and fry until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and stir constantly for no more than 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste and create a roux base for the sauce.
- Make Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and sour cream, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Then add the grated cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for topping), stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked, bite-sized chicken pieces, cooked pasta, salt, and red pepper flakes into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the cheesy chicken and pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup grated cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbling and golden.
Notes
- You can use any shredded cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken.
- For best results, cook pasta al dente as it will continue to soften during baking.
- Feel free to mix different cheeses like cheddar, Colby jack, and Swiss to enhance flavor complexity.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste preference before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
