Description

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish loaded with tender cooked chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, and a rich cheese sauce. This comforting casserole combines cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and a luscious homemade cheese sauce, topped with melted golden cheese for a hearty and satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups cooked and drained pasta (approximately 2 cups uncooked; penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni works best)

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 grated cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, Swiss, or a combination), with 1/2 cup reserved for topping
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Make Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
Prepare Cheese Sauce: Slowly add the milk and sour cream to the roux, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the grated cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, pasta, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the cheese sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of grated cheese evenly on top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the dish to set slightly.

Notes

You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Pasta shapes like penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but feel free to substitute with your favorite sturdy pasta.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
To make ahead, prepare the casserole and refrigerate before baking; add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: Paula Deen, chicken casserole, baked chicken pasta, cheesy chicken casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe, baked pasta dish