Welcome to my cozy kitchen! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my favorite casserole recipe, which is perfect for anyone looking to whip up something simple and delicious. There’s just something so comforting about a warm, bubbly casserole, don’t you think? It’s like a big hug for your taste buds! This casserole is not only easy to make but also incredibly forgiving, making it a fantastic choice for beginners. You can throw in whatever ingredients you have on hand—think leftover chicken or veggies that need using up. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close because it’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delightful casserole. Make sure you have these ingredients ready, and don’t worry if you need to make some substitutions—this recipe is super flexible!

• 2 cups cooked pasta (any shape you like, just make sure it’s al dente)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, just thaw if using frozen)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (this gives it that creamy goodness)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using cheddar, but feel free to mix it up)
• 1/2 cup milk (this helps to loosen everything up)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or more if you like a little kick)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for that crunchy topping you’ll love)

How to Prepare This Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it helps your casserole cook evenly and get that lovely golden top. While it’s heating up, you can gather your ingredients and get ready for the fun part!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Now, grab a large bowl and start mixing! First, throw in your cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and broccoli florets. Next, add the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I like to mix gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated in that creamy goodness. You want each bite to be bursting with flavor, so take your time here!

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to transfer it to a greased baking dish. Greasing is key because it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. You can use cooking spray or a little butter to coat the bottom and sides. Carefully pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Let’s make this casserole even more delightful! Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, followed by the breadcrumbs. The cheese will melt into a gooey layer, while the breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Trust me, this topping is what makes every bite irresistible!

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Now it’s time for the magic to happen! Pop your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown. If you want to be extra sure, you can poke it with a fork—the filling should be hot and no longer jiggly!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it set up a bit and makes serving so much easier! When you’re ready, scoop out generous portions and enjoy this comforting dish. You can pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal!

Why You’ll Love This Casserole Recipe

• It’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for beginners and busy weeknights!
• Uses simple, accessible ingredients that you might already have on hand.
• Comforting flavors that are sure to warm you up from the inside out.
• One-pan dish means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book!
• Versatile and forgiving—feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser, so it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Tips for Success

Here are some of my best tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a world of difference.

• Ingredient Swaps: Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can easily swap the chicken for turkey, or use cooked sausage for a different flavor. If you want to keep it vegetarian, try adding more veggies like bell peppers or spinach instead of chicken.
• Cheese Choices: While I love cheddar, feel free to mix things up with mozzarella for a gooey texture or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Cheese is always a fun place to experiment!
• Cooking Techniques: If you find your casserole is too dry, add a splash more milk or a dollop of sour cream to keep it creamy. Conversely, if it seems too wet, you can increase the baking time slightly to let it set.
• Common Mistakes: One mistake to avoid is overmixing your ingredients; this can make the casserole dense. Just mix until everything is blended. Also, be sure to taste the mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning if needed—don’t be shy!
• Make-Ahead Tip: If you want to prep ahead, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake; you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a delicious casserole that everyone will love!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of this comforting casserole. Keep in mind that these are based on typical ingredients and can vary a bit depending on what you use. But it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 20g

This casserole is not only a delicious meal but also a balanced option that provides a good amount of protein to keep you satisfied. Enjoy every comforting bite without a hint of guilt!

FAQ Section

Got questions about this casserole recipe? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get, along with helpful answers to make your cooking experience as smooth as possible.

Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great option if you’re looking to add more fiber to your meal. Just be sure to cook it al dente, as it may get softer during baking.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No problem! You can substitute it with any cream soup you have on hand, like cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce for a lighter option. Just keep that creamy texture in mind!

How can I make this casserole recipe vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also throw in some cooked beans for added protein!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, simply pop your casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just be sure to heat it in short intervals and stir in between!

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It should stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

What should I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or some crusty bread. If you want to keep it simple, a side of steamed veggies or a light soup would also complement it nicely!

How can I tell when the casserole is done?
You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown. A quick poke with a fork will let you know if the filling is hot and no longer jiggly. If you’re unsure, it’s always safe to add a few extra minutes!

I hope these answers help clear up any concerns you might have as you whip up this delicious casserole! Happy cooking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftovers from this comforting casserole are just as delicious as the first serving, so don’t let them go to waste! To store, simply let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container if you prefer. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If you want to keep it longer, this casserole freezes beautifully! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It should last for about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat your casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If it’s been frozen, it may take a bit longer, so just keep an eye on it. Covering it with foil during reheating helps retain moisture and keeps the top from getting too brown. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave—just heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warm all the way through. Enjoy those leftovers!

Casserole Recipe: 7 Secrets to Comforting Perfection

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A simple and comforting casserole recipe that anyone can make.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
6. Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.
7. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or carrots.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: casserole recipe, easy casserole, beginner casserole