Chicken Fettuccine Casserole
Creamy chicken fettuccine casserole combines tender chicken, mushrooms, pimentos, and a spicy cheese topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 large cooked and boned chicken ⓘ
- 1/3 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 5 oz. cooked and drained fettuccine ⓘ
- 2 cups sour cream
- 6 oz. jar mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 4 oz. jar pimentos ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan and add flour, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk and chicken broth, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens.
- Add chopped celery, onions, lemon juice, cooked chicken, sour cream, drained mushrooms, pimentos, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Top with grated Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding more sour cream or using a mixture of sour cream and Greek yogurt. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half the butter with olive oil. You can enhance the flavor by incorporating fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Fettuccine Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables for a nutritious side. For a fun twist, try serving it with Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps for a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil to retain moisture and bake at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Fettuccine Casserole contains roughly 283 calories, with 13g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (81% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1207mg per serving (52% 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Yes, using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it in with the other ingredients as directed. This will make the preparation quicker and enhance the dish with delicious roasted flavors.
Can I freeze the Chicken Fettuccine Casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights.
What can I substitute for fettuccine?
You can easily swap fettuccine for other pasta types like penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted accordingly, as different pasta shapes may vary in cooking duration. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your dietary preferences.
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).