Chicken Noodle Casserole(Low-Fat)
A hearty, low-fat chicken noodle casserole packed with vegetables, creamy mushroom flavor, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed ⓘ
- 1 lb. frozen peas
- 3 large carrots, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 2 cups diced celery ⓘ
- 2 cans Healthy Choice cream of mushroom soup
- 1 lb. noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup plain nonfat yogurt ⓘ
- salt substitute to taste ⓘ
- Healthy Choice cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except cheese together in a large container.
- Spray a large casserole dish with Pam and place half of the mixture in it.
- Save the remaining half for later; it freezes well.
- Dot the top of the casserole with cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes at 350°F until hot and the cheese is melted.
- Alternatively, bake in the microwave on High with a lid on.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken mixture. For a creamier texture, you can substitute part of the yogurt with low-fat sour cream. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles. For added nutrition, toss in some spinach or kale before baking. Adjust the salt substitute according to your taste preference, especially if you're using canned soup.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Noodle Casserole is perfect served with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli on the side for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Everyday Green Rice for a wholesome dinner. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving for an extra pop of flavor. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside crusty whole-grain bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for a few minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can cover the casserole with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, about 15-20 minutes. This dish also freezes well if you want to save a batch for later.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Noodle Casserole(Low-Fat) contains roughly 470 calories, with 22g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (54% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken breasts. Simply cook them thoroughly before cubing and adding them to the casserole mixture. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just cover it tightly to prevent drying out, and bake it when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn to enhance the flavor and texture while keeping it filling and nutritious.
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).