Comforting Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole

Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Picture tender chicken, creamy cheese, and an abundance of veggies all mingling together in a cozy casserole dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. zucchini butter pasta recipe This dish is comfort food at its finest, perfect for gathering the family around the dinner table, where every bite is a little piece of heaven. spicy chicken pasta dish comforting chicken fricassee. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe.

Imagine sitting down after a long day, and the first forkful of this cheesy delight transports you back to childhood memories of home-cooked meals. The best part? It’s as easy to make as it is delicious, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday dinners. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this culinary adventure!

Sharing this casserole always garners smiles and compliments from friends and family alike; it’s become my go-to dish for potlucks.

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Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts for optimal flavor; they’re lean and cook evenly in the casserole.

• Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchini adds great texture; look for ones without blemishes for the best results.

• Egg Noodles: Choose medium egg noodles for their perfect balance of chewiness and softness in the casserole.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Go for sharp cheddar to enhance the flavor; it melts beautifully and adds richness.

• Onion: A medium onion provides aromatic depth; sauté until golden brown to unlock its natural sweetness.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves are best; mince finely to release their robust flavors throughout the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while adding moisture and flavor.

• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings elevate flavors; adjust according to personal preference during cooking.

• Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme infuses a lovely herbal note that ties everything together.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing vegetables; it adds healthy fats and enhances flavors beautifully.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, chop your zucchini into bite-sized pieces and dice the onion finely. Mince your garlic cloves too—this will make your kitchen smell heavenly.

Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and sauté until translucent—about 4 minutes—then add minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds more.

Add Chicken & Zucchini

Now it’s time to introduce diced chicken breasts into the pan along with those vibrant zucchini pieces. Cook until the chicken turns golden brown on all sides—around 5-7 minutes—seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.

Cook Your Noodles

Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 6-8 minutes—then drain well.

Create the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth with shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. Pour this cheesy goodness over the chicken mixture in the skillet.

Combine & Bake

Fold in cooked egg noodles gently into your skillet mixture until everything is well combined. Transfer everything into a greased baking dish and sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

As you pull your Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole from the oven, let its warm aromas envelop you like an old friend returning home after years apart. cheesy beef noodle casserole Prepare yourself for compliments because everyone will want seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sauté the chicken until golden, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. Layer everything in a baking dish for optimal flavor absorption.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap zucchini for spinach or add mushrooms for extra umami. Experiment with spices like paprika or garlic powder for personalized flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through to enjoy again.

Sharing this recipe has always brought smiles when I served it at family gatherings; nothing beats hearing my niece say it’s her favorite!

FAQ

Can I use other vegetables in Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole?

For more inspiration, check out this Green Chile Macaroni Delight recipe.

Absolutely! Broccoli or bell peppers can be great additions to enhance nutrition and flavor.

How long does it take to bake Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole?

Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F until bubbly and golden on top.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it a day before and refrigerate until ready to bake, making meal prep easier.

Print

Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole

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

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Description

Indulge in a warm, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheddar cheese, and fresh zucchini in a hearty noodle casserole. This Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will transport you back to childhood home-cooked meals. Easy to make and customizable, it’s sure to become a staple at your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
• 2 medium zucchini, diced
• 8 oz medium egg noodles
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Chop zucchini and dice onion; mince garlic.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onion until translucent (about 4 minutes), then add garlic for an additional 30 seconds.
3. Add diced chicken and zucchini; cook until chicken is golden brown (5-7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
4. Cook egg noodles in salted water until al dente (6-8 minutes); drain.
5. In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth and cheddar cheese until smooth. Pour over the chicken mixture in the skillet.
6. Gently fold in cooked egg noodles. Transfer to a greased baking dish; top with extra cheese if desired. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 570mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Substitute zucchini with spinach or mushrooms for variety. For extra crunch on top, broil casserole for the last minute of cooking.