Chicken Noodle Casserole with Silky Cheese Sauce and Crispy Ritz Topping Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, silky bake perfect for family dinners. Combining tender chicken, wide egg noodles, and a creamy cheese sauce topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, it’s both hearty and delicious.

Ingredients

• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup frozen sweet peas
• 1 cup sliced carrots, blanched
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp celery seed
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, coarsely crushed
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook egg noodles for 2 minutes less than package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet or saucier over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a blonde roux.
4. Step 4: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking constantly. Simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Step 5: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed, and grated cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
6. Step 6: Fold in the par-boiled noodles, shredded chicken, peas, and blanched carrots. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
8. Step 8: In a medium bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and dried parsley. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
9. Step 9: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cracker topping is golden brown and crisp.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne to the cheese sauce.
• Substitute frozen mixed vegetables for peas and carrots to vary the veggie mix.
• Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing taste.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for whole milk and use reduced-fat cheese.
• If you prefer a crunchy topping without crackers, try panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to maintain the crispy topping. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave, but topping may lose some crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute wide egg noodles with other pasta like penne or rotini, but cooking times may vary slightly. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente before baking.

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. Add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it crisp.

Chicken Noodle Casserole with Silky Cheese Sauce and Crispy Ritz Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 140 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Chicken Noodle Casserole features tender egg noodles, shredded chicken, sweet peas, and carrots enveloped in a silky, flavorful cheddar cheese sauce. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, it’s baked to golden perfection for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Vegetables

• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 1 cup frozen sweet peas
• 1 cup sliced carrots, blanched

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded

Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp celery seed
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Topping

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, coarsely crushed
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and prepare for the casserole assembly.
2. Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles for 2 minutes less than the package states for al dente texture. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make Roux: In a large skillet or saucier over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to develop a blonde roux, which will thicken the sauce smoothly.
4. Add Liquids and Thicken Sauce: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat and simmer the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Season and Add Cheese: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed, and freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky and smooth.
6. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the par-boiled noodles, shredded chicken, frozen peas, and blanched carrots into the cheese sauce, mixing well for even distribution. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to your taste.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the prepared mixture into the greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for baking.
8. Prepare Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the coarsely crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter and dried parsley. Toss well to coat the crackers thoroughly.
9. Top and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker topping over the casserole. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbling and the topping turns golden brown and crisp.

Notes

• For best results, use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese to ensure smooth melting and rich flavor.
• You can substitute frozen peas and carrots with fresh or other preferred vegetables.
• Cook the chicken breasts before shredding; poaching or baking are good methods to keep the chicken moist.
• Make sure not to overcook the noodles during boiling to avoid mushy texture after baking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; add a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess if needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken noodle casserole, creamy chicken bake, cheddar cheese casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, baked chicken pasta