Cheesy Chicken Macaroni Casserole
A creamy, cheesy chicken macaroni casserole packed with mushrooms, pimientos, and green onions, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked diced chicken or turkey ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped pimiento ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Stir together all ingredients in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into an ungreased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Cover and bake for 1 hour.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save you effort. You can also substitute the elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, and feel free to mix in some vegetables like peas or broccoli for added nutrition. This dish is reminiscent of comforting American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot, garnished with additional green onions for a fresh touch. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You might also enjoy it alongside some garlic bread or as a main dish with a side of roasted asparagus. For more comforting casseroles, check out E-Z Chicken Tetrazzini.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cheesy Chicken Macaroni Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F until hot, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Chicken Macaroni Casserole contains roughly 620 calories, with 22g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (159% of the Daily Value), iron (114% of the Daily Value), and calcium (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 741mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor profile. Just keep in mind that some cheeses melt differently, which can affect the texture of your casserole.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and follow the baking instructions.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Certainly! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can also use a meat substitute or include beans for added protein. This variation maintains the comforting essence of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).