Cheesy Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of a bubbling casserole wafting through the kitchen. Picture this: you walk in after a long day, and the savory scent of Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole greets you like an old friend. It’s comforting, cheesy, and honestly, it just feels like a warm hug on a plate.

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Now imagine gathering around the table with your loved ones as they dive into this scrumptious dish. You can almost hear their delighted gasps as they take that first bite. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, perfect for cozy weeknights or special occasions where laughter and love are served alongside generous helpings.

I remember the first time I made this dish; everyone raved about it! My friends kept asking for seconds, and my cat even tried to steal a piece off my plate.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts will do; adjust based on your hungry crowd’s needs.

• Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and color; choose firm ones for the best texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Grated cheddar brings gooey goodness; opt for sharp cheddar for an extra flavor punch.

• Egg Noodles: Use wide egg noodles for great texture that holds up well with creamy sauce.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: This creamy base melds all flavors together beautifully; choose low-sodium if preferred.

• Onion Powder: Adds depth to your casserole without any chopping fuss; I always keep some on hand!

• Garlic Powder: Because who doesn’t love garlic? It enhances flavors without adding extra prep time.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together; adjust to your taste.

• Paprika (optional): A sprinkle adds a lovely color and smoky flavor; feel free to experiment.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sauté your chicken perfectly; choose extra virgin for best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While you’re at it, grab that trusty casserole dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and toss in chopped chicken breasts. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside—about 7-10 minutes should do.

Add Zucchini: Stir in diced zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. You want them slightly tender yet still crisp—this adds nice texture to your casserole.

Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken and zucchini with egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of your cheddar cheese. Mix well until everything is coated evenly.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour this glorious mixture into your greased casserole dish. Spread evenly with a spatula so every bite gets its fair share of cheesy goodness.

Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the top. If you’re feeling adventurous today, throw in some paprika for flair!

Bake Away: Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. The aroma will have everyone running to the kitchen!

This delightful Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole isn’t just easy to make—it’s also incredibly satisfying. With each layer of flavor melding beautifully together in perfect harmony, it’s bound to become a family favorite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sauté the zucchini and chicken first, then cook the noodles while preparing the creamy sauce for a seamless experience. This method ensures everything melds beautifully, resulting in a deliciously cohesive casserole.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out zucchini for spinach or add mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Experimenting with different cheeses like Gruyère can elevate this dish to gourmet status while keeping it fun.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain its creamy goodness.

One time, I made this casserole for a potluck, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about how good it was! It felt amazing knowing I surprised them with something so simple yet delicious.

FAQ

Can I freeze Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole?

Yes, it freezes well; just thaw completely before reheating.

What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?

You can use turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

How long does it take to bake the casserole?

Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

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Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole

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• Author: homerecipeseasy
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and gooey cheddar cheese, all enveloped in creamy goodness. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. With its vibrant colors and rich taste, this casserole not only satisfies the palate but also brings loved ones together around the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped
• 2 cups fresh zucchini, diced
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 cups wide egg noodles
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped chicken until golden brown (7-10 minutes). Add diced zucchini for the last few minutes of cooking.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken and zucchini with egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese and paprika if desired.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For added flavor, try substituting zucchini with spinach or mushrooms. Reserve some cheese for topping before baking to enhance cheesiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.