Chicken And Pasta Casserole
A comforting chicken and pasta casserole featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy pasta, topped with fresh tomato wedges—perfect for family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange chicken breasts in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- In a medium bowl, stir together cream of chicken soup, Dijon mustard, oregano, pepper, and milk until smooth.
- Spoon 1 cup of the soup mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the frozen Parmesan pasta and vegetable mixture, remaining soup mixture, and half of the Durkee onions.
- Spoon the pasta mixture under and around the chicken in the casserole dish.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fork-tender and the sauce is bubbling.
- Top with tomato wedges and the remaining Durkee onions.
- Bake for an additional 3 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of white wine to the soup mixture. If you don't have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard can be used as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different. You can also swap the chicken breasts for thighs for added tenderness and flavor. For a quick option, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken and pasta casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette dressing can enhance the freshness of the salad. For a heartier option, serve with crusty bread or garlic bread. To take it up a notch, consider drizzling some Thieves Steak Sauce over the top before serving for an extra flavor kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat as this can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Pasta Casserole contains roughly 470 calories, with 13g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1559mg per serving (68% 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 fresh pasta instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh pasta, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Fresh pasta cooks faster than frozen, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't become mushy while baking.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with a mix of hearty vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup for added flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
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).