Hey friends! I’m so excited to share my go-to casserole recipe with you! Trust me, this dish is not only super simple to whip up, but it’s also incredibly delicious and perfect for those busy weeknights when you need meal ideas casseroles that feed the whole family. I remember the first time I made this—it was a total hit! The creamy, cheesy goodness combined with tender chicken and veggies just makes my heart sing. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers. Let’s dive into this comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly. While it’s warming up, you can gather your ingredients and get ready for some mixing fun!
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, frozen mixed vegetables, milk, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I like to use a big spoon or spatula to mix everything together until it’s all well combined. You want that creamy goodness to coat every piece of pasta and chicken!
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Next, grab a greased baking dish (a 9×13 works great) and spread your mixture evenly into the bottom. Make sure it’s nice and flat so every bite gets that delicious flavor. If you have any leftovers sticking to the sides, just scoop them right in—no pasta left behind!
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Now, it’s time for the best part—topping it with shredded cheese! Sprinkle it on generously, because who doesn’t love a cheesy topping? Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and the cheese is golden—just keep an eye on it!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole cool for a few minutes. This helps it set a bit, and trust me, you don’t want to burn your tongue on that cheesy goodness! Serve it up warm and maybe even add a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to make—perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Only one dish to clean up, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
- This casserole is packed with flavor, thanks to the creamy soup and melted cheese.
- It’s a versatile dish—you can easily swap in whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand.
- Great for meal prepping—make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
- Kids and adults alike will love it, making it a family favorite!
Tips for Success
To make sure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t skip the preheating step; it really helps everything cook evenly. If your casserole seems too dry, add a splash more milk or broth to keep it creamy. Also, be careful not to overbake it—check for that bubbly, golden cheese around the 25-minute mark to avoid dryness. And if you’re using frozen veggies, there’s no need to thaw them; just toss them in straight from the freezer! Lastly, feel free to get creative with herbs and spices for an extra flavor boost—trust me, it makes a difference!
Nutritional Information Section
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For this casserole, each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 12g of fat, 25g of protein, and 800mg of sodium. Always check labels for precise details!
FAQ Section
Can I use different proteins in this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole is super flexible. You can swap in any cooked protein you have on hand, like turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian option like beans or tofu. Get creative!
What vegetables can I substitute?
Feel free to use whatever veggies you love or have in your fridge! Broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers all work wonderfully. Just chop them up and toss them in!
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can! Just assemble the casserole and cover it tightly before refrigerating. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven—no need to thaw!
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs nicely with a simple green salad or some garlic bread. You could even serve it with roasted veggies for a complete meal!
Print
Meal Ideas Casseroles: 5 Comforting Recipes to Try
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious casserole recipe perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, frozen vegetables, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use any cooked protein you have on hand.
- Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preference.
- Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: meal ideas casseroles
