Green Noodle Casserole
Green Noodle Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender green noodles mixed with seasoned chicken, mushrooms, and vibrant vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onions, green pepper, and celery in oleo until tender.
- Add Velveeta cheese (cut into small pieces), cream of mushroom soup, mushrooms, diced pimento, and diced chicken to the sautéed vegetables. Stir until cheese melts and ingredients are combined.
- Cook green noodles in broth where the chicken was cooked until tender.
- Add cooked noodles to the cheese and chicken mixture and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Bake in a 350°F oven, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Remove cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat Velveeta and reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup. If you're out of green noodles, regular egg noodles or whole wheat pasta can be substituted. Adding a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor profile. This recipe can easily be customized with leftover vegetables or different proteins, making it versatile like many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Noodle Casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or steamed green beans for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread or cornbread on the side for a comforting touch. For an added crunch, consider topping with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Noodle Casserole contains roughly 228 calories, with 9g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value) and vitamin D (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 730mg 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 rotisserie chicken instead of diced chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just shred the chicken and fold it into the casserole during the mixing step. This substitution can make preparation quicker and is perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I add to enhance the nutritional value?
Consider adding cooked spinach or kale to the casserole for added vitamins and minerals. You can also incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or broccoli. These additions will not only boost nutrition but also add color and texture to 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).