Noodle Delight
Creamy noodle casserole with tender vegetables, sharp cheese, and crunchy almonds, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
- 1 can cream of celery soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. sharp cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 10 oz. can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 8 oz. package noodles ⓘ
- 2 pimientos, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons pimiento juice
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ham slices (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat the cream of chicken and cream of celery soups in a saucepan and add shredded cheese until melted.
- Simmer chopped celery, chopped green pepper, and chopped onion in unsalted water until barely tender.
- Drain the vegetables.
- Add the cooked vegetables, mushrooms, chopped pimientos, pimiento juice, chopped ham (if using), chopped green pepper, chopped onion, and slivered almonds to the cheese sauce.
- Season with parsley flakes, dry mustard, and sugar to taste.
- Cook noodles in unsalted water or with garlic or onion salt until al dente.
- Drain the noodles well, using cold water to stop cooking.
- Combine cooked noodles with the cheese mixture, mix well, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk to the cheese sauce. If you don’t have sharp cheese, any cheese blend will work. You can also substitute the noodles for egg noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb version. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Noodle Delight with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Casserole With Biscuits (Kentucky Bluegrass Recipe) for a comforting dinner. For a heartier meal, consider adding slices of ham or a side of garlic bread for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. You can also bake it in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Noodle Delight contains roughly 397 calories, with 14g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (64% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 903mg per serving (39% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Noodle Delight a day in advance. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it until you’re ready to serve. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you're ready, bake it until bubbly and golden for the best results.
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, carrots, or peas can be great additions. Just ensure they are cooked until tender before mixing them into the cheese sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Noodle Delight vegetarian by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the vegetables. This will enhance the flavor while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
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).