Make-Ahead Chicken Macaroni Casserole
A hearty make-ahead chicken macaroni casserole combining tender chicken, creamy soups, cheeses, and vegetables, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 pound Velveeta cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup diced green pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimentos ⓘ
- 1 can mushroom pieces
- 1 (5 oz.) can water chestnuts, sliced ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Transfer the mixture into a 13 x 9-inch shallow glass casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 to 1½ hours until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of sour cream or swapping in cream of chicken soup instead of cream of celery or mushroom. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for cooked chicken. For a bit of spice, add some diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of Velveeta. This dish can also be customized with veggies like broccoli or peas.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Macaroni Casserole is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it with garlic bread for a comforting dinner experience. For a twist, serve alongside a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power until warm, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Make-Ahead Chicken Macaroni Casserole contains roughly 130 calories, with 6g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 682mg per serving (30% 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 freeze the casserole before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just prepare it up to the point of transferring it to the baking dish, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. Just be mindful of cooking time as different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments for optimal texture.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of milk for added flavor. You can also enhance it with extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach. Just ensure all canned ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
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).