Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s both hearty and easy to prepare. This casserole delivers warm flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups cooked and drained pasta (about 2 cups uncooked; penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni recommended)
• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and sour cream, continuing to cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir the grated cheese into the sauce until it melts smoothly.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked chicken, pasta, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a blend of cheeses to add depth of flavor—cheddar and Swiss work beautifully together.
• For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to boost nutrition and texture.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken speeds up preparation and adds extra flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or in the microwave for quicker reheating. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this casserole?

Yes, penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni work best because they hold the sauce well, but you can substitute with any short pasta you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 141 reviews

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is a comforting and cheesy baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners, combining simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 and Seasoning

• 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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the casserole.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Add Cheese to Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy cheese mixture.
5. 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 with the sauce.
6. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined mixture to a prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheese evenly on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.

Notes

• You can use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
• For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the cheese sauce.
• Use any pasta shape you prefer, but tubular shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce best.
• Adjust the level of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice tolerance.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.

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