Description

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, a savory cheese sauce, and a hint of spice. Perfect for comforting family dinners, this casserole combines cooked chicken and pasta with a rich, homemade cheese sauce, then is baked until bubbly and golden on top.

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 ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole later.
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 and Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add the milk and sour cream, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce for a creamy consistency.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the mixture to a prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheese on top for a golden crust.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

Notes

You can use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Choose your favorite pasta shapes; penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni hold the sauce well.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
For a creamier texture, mix in an extra 1/4 cup sour cream if desired.
Make sure to drain the pasta well to prevent a watery casserole.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat covered to maintain moisture.

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

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