Name: Cheesy 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 comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling right out of the oven. This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is just that—packed with tender chicken, tender broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce that hugs every bite of pasta. It’s easy to whip up and will quickly become your go-to for family dinners.

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 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've made this casserole more times than I can count, and it never disappoints. It's simple enough for weeknights but feels special enough to serve when friends come over. The creamy cheese sauce combined with the juicy chicken and just-cooked broccoli gives a perfect bite every time.

Super Easy: No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients, just honest, delicious comfort food that feels homemade.
Balanced Flavors: The Italian seasoning and garlic powder bring subtle flavor without overpowering the cheesy creaminess.
Family Friendly: Even picky eaters often surprise me by loving this cheesy, saucy pasta bake.
Customizable: You can swap out veggies or cheese, making it perfect to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe has a role in making this dish comforting and full of flavor. The multitextured combination of pasta, veggies, protein, and cheesy sauce creates a satisfying meal.

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: Its spirals catch the cheesy sauce brilliantly, so you get that creamy flavor in every bite.
Broccoli Florets: Added right at the end of the pasta cooking time to keep them tender but bright and fresh.
Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce without turning salty; lets you control seasoning better.
Yellow Onion: Gently sautéed to add sweet depth that complements savory cheeses and seasonings.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly so it clings to the pasta and chicken—no watery casserole here!
Chicken Broth: Adds savory umami that boosts the overall flavor without heaviness.
Whole Milk: Brings richness and creaminess to the cheese sauce for that indulgent feel.
Italian Seasoning: A simple herby mix adding fragrant notes that tie everything together.
Garlic Powder: Brings mellow warmth without the intensity of fresh garlic—a nice easy layer of flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors; I recommend tasting as you go for your perfect seasoning.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Tender, protein-packed, and easy to prep ahead, it makes this casserole hearty.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, cheddar gives that signature cheesy goodness and golden crust when baked.

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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 that this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe acts as a bit of a blank canvas—you can tweak it based on what I have on hand or your family's preferences. Have fun making it yours!

Variation: Sometimes I swap the broccoli for spinach or peas when I want something softer or a quick change of flavor—it works wonderfully!
Cheese Swap: Mixing in mozzarella or Monterey Jack can give a milder, creamier melt while still keeping plenty of gooeyness.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a sneaky kick for those who like a little heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a certified gluten-free flour blend for thickening to enjoy the casserole with dietary needs in mind.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy 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 Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil (don’t skip the salt—it seasons the pasta nicely). Add the rotini and cook just until al dente according to the package. About two minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets. This way, they steam in the boiling water without losing color or crunch. Drain everything and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking; this also keeps the broccoli vibrant and the pasta from sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt butter over medium heat in a big skillet. Toss in the chopped onions and let them soften and get sweet—about 4 to 5 minutes. The aroma here sets the stage, so don’t rush it. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk fast for 30 seconds; this cooks out that raw taste you don’t want in your sauce. Next, pour in the chicken broth and milk slowly, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking over medium heat until the sauce thickens—usually 3 to 5 minutes. You’re aiming for a creamy texture that coats the back of your spoon.

Step 3: Combine and Bake the Casserole

Remove the sauce from the heat, then stir in the chopped cooked chicken, cooked pasta, broccoli, and half the shredded cheddar. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. Pour this savory, cheesy mixture into a 13x9-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for that irresistible golden finish. Cover with foil for the first part of baking to keep everything moist.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Perfect

Bake the casserole covered at 375°F for 15 minutes. This helps everything heat through and flavors meld. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes so the cheese melts fully and creates a beautifully bubbly top. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving—it makes it easier to scoop and enjoy.

Top Tip

From my experience making this dish over and over, a few small things can really elevate your casserole game:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: It will keep cooking in the oven, so slightly undercook it in the boiling water to prevent mushy noodles later.
Cold Rinse Pasta and Broccoli: This stops the cooking instantly and keeps textures crisp and fresh.
Season the Sauce Well: Taste before adding chicken and cheese since those add salt, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
Cover While Baking Initially: Keeps the casserole moist and prevents cheese from drying out before the final bake.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

cheesy chicken casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chives on top. It adds a pop of color and a fresh bite that balances the richness. Sometimes a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if our family is in the mood for a tiny kick.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. A crunchy breadstick or garlic bread on the side also rounds out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I bake this in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets—everyone loves having their own cheesy, bubbling portion fresh from the oven. You can even sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for an extra crunchy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole stores great in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I love having it ready for quick lunches or easy dinners when time is tight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking. Just make sure to cool it completely, wrap well, and label. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through. It still tastes fantastic!

Reheating

To reheat, I cover leftovers with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This gently revives the creaminess without drying out the casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other pasta shapes for this casserole?

Absolutely! Pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni work well too. Just adjust cooking times for al dente, and make sure the sauce clings well to the noodles.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine, use a plant-based milk like oat or almond, and pick a dairy-free cheese alternative. Thickening with flour still works the same way.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble it a day before and keep it covered in the fridge. Let it come closer to room temperature before baking so it heats evenly.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

Look for bubbly sauce peeking around the edges, and a nicely melted golden cheese layer on top. The internal temperature should be hot throughout—15 to 20 minutes covered then uncovered generally does the trick.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe a try—it’s one of those cozy dishes that always delivers comfort and smiles around the table. It’s easy to make, customizable, and just downright tasty. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to stretch cooked chicken into a whole hearty meal. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your rotation, too.