There’s something magical about comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table, and this easy chicken macaroni casserole does exactly that. Born from busy weeknight dinners and Sunday family gatherings, this hearty dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms simple pantry staples into a meal worth celebrating.
What makes this chicken pasta recipe truly special is its incredible versatility and foolproof preparation. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick dinner solutions, a college student mastering basic cooking skills, or someone who simply loves delicious comfort food, this macaroni casserole recipe delivers every time. With just 20 minutes of prep and minimal cleanup, you’ll have a golden, bubbling casserole that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank or your schedule.
Recipe Information
Difficulty: Easy
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6-8 people
Cost: Affordable
Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Macaroni Casserole
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (about 1.5 lbs)
- 16 oz elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment and Utensils Required
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium skillet
- Colander for draining pasta
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon for mixing
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
Recipe Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving later. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the macaroni.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Avoid overcooking as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Drain thoroughly and set aside. This foundation is crucial for any successful chicken and macaroni recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
If using raw chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F). Let cool and dice into bite-sized pieces. In the same skillet, heat remaining olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture is what makes this macaroni bake so irresistibly rich and satisfying. Season with oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Combine All Main Ingredients
Add the cooked macaroni, diced chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, frozen mixed vegetables, and diced red bell pepper to the creamy soup mixture. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated. The key is to mix thoroughly without breaking the pasta pieces.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Fold in 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese and ¾ cup of the mozzarella cheese, reserving the remaining cheese for topping. The cheese will melt during baking, creating that gooey, stretchy texture that makes this one of the best easy casserole recipes.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top for that golden, bubbly finish that makes any macaroni casserole recipe irresistible.
Step 8: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. This creates a deliciously crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole beneath. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety.
Step 10: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving much easier. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Success:
Don’t skip the resting time – those 10 minutes make all the difference in achieving clean, beautiful slices. For extra flavor depth, try using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own chicken breast recipes from scratch. Season each layer – taste your cream sauce before combining, and adjust seasonings as needed.
Delicious Variations:
Transform this basic recipe into exciting variations. For a Mexican-style twist, add diced jalapeños, corn, black beans, and Mexican cheese blend with cumin and chili powder. Create a Mediterranean version by incorporating sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, feta cheese, and Italian herbs. For those following chicken breast recipes for health, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use low-fat cheese.
Make-Ahead Magic:
This is perfect for meal prep! Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. You can also freeze the assembled (unbaked) casserole for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Storage and Reheating:
Leftover casserole keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 325°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry after reheating.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This hearty chicken pasta recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t compete with its rich flavors. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess perfectly, while roasted vegetables like green beans or broccoli add nutritional balance. For bread lovers, garlic bread or dinner rolls complete this comfort food experience.
Consider serving this alongside other popular chicken and macaroni recipes for a pasta bar at parties, or pair it with a light soup like tomato or vegetable broth for a complete meal. The beauty of macaroni casserole recipes is their ability to stretch a meal and satisfy diverse appetites.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Calcium: 285mg
Nutritional values are approximate and based on 8 servings
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta for this chicken pasta recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, penne, rotini, or shells work wonderfully. Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or linguine, as they don’t work as well in casserole-style chicken and macaroni recipes.
What’s the best way to cook chicken breast for casserole recipes?
For the most flavorful chicken breast recipes, season the meat well and cook until just done (165°F internal temperature). Avoid overcooking as it will dry out during the casserole baking process. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving alternative that adds extra flavor.
How do I prevent my macaroni bake from becoming dry?
The key to preventing dry easy casserole recipes is proper sauce ratio and not overbaking. Use enough cream base to coat everything well, and cover with foil for most of the baking time. If reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or broth to restore moisture.
Can I make this macaroni casserole recipe ahead of time?
Yes! These types of chicken pasta recipes actually improve in flavor when made ahead. Assemble completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours or freeze up to 3 months. Thaw frozen casseroles overnight before baking, and add extra cooking time if needed.
What vegetables work best in macaroni casserole recipes?
Frozen mixed vegetables are convenient and work perfectly, but fresh bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli are excellent additions. Pre-cook harder vegetables like carrots or broccoli before adding to ensure even cooking in your easy chicken macaroni casserole.
Final Thoughts
This easy chicken macaroni casserole proves that the best comfort foods don’t require complicated techniques or expensive ingredients. By combining simple pantry staples with a few fresh ingredients, you’ve created a meal that’s both satisfying and memorable. The beauty of great chicken pasta recipes lies in their ability to bring people together, and this dish certainly delivers on that promise.
Whether you’re adding this to your rotation of reliable easy casserole recipes or trying chicken and macaroni recipes for the first time, this macaroni bake will quickly become a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, creamy sauce, and golden cheese topping creates the ultimate comfort food experience.
Don’t forget to share your results! Have you tried this recipe? What variations did you create? Leave a comment below with your experience, photos, and any creative additions you discovered. Your feedback helps other home cooks perfect their own chicken breast recipes and casserole adventures.
Pin this recipe for easy access later, and share it with friends who appreciate delicious, home-cooked meals. For more incredible chicken pasta recipes and easy casserole recipes, explore our other comfort food favorites and subscribe to never miss a new recipe!
Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite of your homemade macaroni casserole!
