Paula Deen Amazing Chicken Casserole – Cheesy, Creamy & Delicious
A rich, creamy, and comforting baked chicken casserole with tender pasta and melted cheese—perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups cooked and drained pasta (penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 3 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, Swiss, or a combination), divided
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in the flour and cook briefly to form a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and sour cream until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the grated cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Mix in the cooked chicken, pasta, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the reserved cheese.
8. Bake until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
9. Remove from the oven, let rest briefly, and serve warm.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Swap cheeses based on preference for different flavor profiles.
For extra crunch, add buttered breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/paula-deen-amazing-chicken-casserole/