Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Casserole
This ultimate cheesy chicken casserole features tender pasta shells and a velvety cheese sauce enhanced with savory aromatics for the perfect weeknight comfort meal.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch casserole dish
- Skillet
- Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 3 cups medium shells uncooked
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 onion finely diced
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup 1 can
- 1 ⅓ cups milk
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces canned mild green chiles
- 3 cups cooked chopped chicken
Instructions
Preparation and Initial Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a standard 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Boil the medium pasta shells in salted water until they reach 'al dente' texture. Drain and set aside, as they will finish cooking while baking.
Sautéing the Aromatics
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper for about 5 minutes until soft and tender.
- Stir in the seasoned salt and chili powder to bloom the spices, enhancing the savory flavor of the base.
Mixing and Final Assembly
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup and milk until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Fold in the sautéed onion mixture, 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the parmesan, cooked chicken, pasta, and green chiles.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Notes
Safety Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the center of the casserole reaches 165°F to guarantee it is heated through safely without overcooking the edges.
Pro Tip: Always shred your cheese from a solid block rather than using pre-shredded bags. This avoids the cellulose coating and ensures a much smoother, silkier melt.
Storage Tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain the pasta texture.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.