Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole

This rich and cheesy chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, flavorful, and loaded with melted cheese!

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Creamy Chicken Casserole

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 35

Total Time: 55

Servings:

Calories: 362kcal

2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups cooked pasta (about 2 cups uncooked) – penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni work well
3 tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp flour
½ cup sour cream
1 cup milk
3 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, Swiss, or a combination), with ½ cup reserved for topping
½ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste

Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Sauté Aromatics – In a pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened.
Make the Sauce – Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the milk and sour cream. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
Add Cheese – Stir in the cheese (reserving ½ cup for later) until melted and smooth.
Combine Ingredients – Mix in the cooked chicken, pasta, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
Bake – Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, sprinkle the reserved cheese on top, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve & Enjoy – Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious, creamy chicken casserole!