Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe

Cozy Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe For Chilly Nights

This creamy chicken noodle bake promises comfort in every delightful bite.

Hearty ingredients blend together to create a satisfying meal that warms your soul.

Imagine a dish packed with rich, velvety textures and robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender chicken nestles among soft noodles, creating a harmonious medley of delectable goodness.

Subtle seasonings enhance the natural essence of each carefully selected ingredient.

Home cooking reaches new heights with this simple yet impressive recipe that feels like a warm embrace.

Explore a culinary experience that will quickly become a cherished favorite at your dinner table.

Why Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake Is the Definition of Comfort Food

  • This creamy chicken noodle bake transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and easily.
  • Enjoy the perfect blend of soft, al dente egg noodles, tender chicken chunks, and velvety smooth cream sauce that creates a mouthwatering combination in every single bite.
  • Packed with colorful peas and carrots, this dish sneaks in extra vegetables without compromising on delicious flavor, making it a smart choice for families wanting balanced nutrition.
  • Minimize kitchen cleanup with this convenient recipe that prepares everything in a single skillet, saving time and reducing dish washing – perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick family meals.

Ingredients That Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake Work

Main Protein and Noodles:
  • Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish.
  • Egg Noodles: Classic pasta base that provides a comforting, hearty texture. Choose wide or medium noodles for best results.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that create a rich, savory base. Fresh ingredients provide the most robust taste.
  • Peas, Carrots: Colorful vegetables that add nutrition and sweet, earthy notes. Frozen or fresh options work well.
Creamy Sauce Components:
  • Butter, Flour: Essential thickening agents that create a smooth, luxurious sauce base. Use unsalted butter for better control of salt levels.
  • Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Liquid ingredients that develop a rich, velvety sauce. Low-sodium broth recommended for balanced seasoning.
  • Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Crucial flavor enhancers that round out the dish's overall taste profile. Use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

How to Prepare Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake Easily

Step 1: Boil Tasty Egg Noodles

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until they’re perfectly tender yet slightly firm. Once done, drain the noodles and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vibrant Vegetables

Warm a skillet over medium heat. Melt butter until it shimmers. Toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Frozen peas
  • Chopped carrots

Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until onions become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and mix thoroughly. Slowly pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream

Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let simmer, stirring occasionally. Watch the sauce transform and thicken over 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Bake Delightful Casserole

Fold cooked chicken cubes into the creamy sauce. Add the drained noodles and mix gently. Transfer the entire mixture to a baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, creamy chicken noodle bake that promises to warm hearts and satisfy hunger.

Tips to Keep Chicken Noodle Bake Moist and Creamy

  • Perfectly Cook Noodles: Boil egg noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when baked, ensuring a delightful texture in every bite.
  • Master Vegetable Sautéing: Sauté onions and garlic until they're soft and translucent, releasing their maximum flavor and creating a rich aromatic base for the dish.
  • Achieve Creamy Consistency: Whisk flour and liquid ingredients gradually to prevent lumps, creating a smooth and velvety sauce that coats the noodles and chicken perfectly.
  • Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking to develop a well-rounded flavor profile that enhances the entire casserole.
  • Prevent Sauce Separation: Stir the sauce frequently while simmering to maintain a creamy texture and prevent burning or sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake

  • Refrigerate: Transfer leftover chicken noodle bake to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the creamy texture and flavor.

Sides That Go Well with This Noodle Bake

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chardonnay or sauvignon blanc complements the creamy sauce's richness, cutting through the dish's heaviness with its bright, refreshing acidity.
  • Serve Alongside Fresh Green Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty contrast to the bake's creamy texture, adding a fresh and tangy element to the meal.
  • Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm, toasted bread helps soak up the delicious sauce, offering a crunchy texture that perfectly balances the soft noodles and tender chicken.
  • Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Herb-roasted brussels sprouts or asparagus add a slightly charred, earthy flavor that enhances the dish's comforting profile and provides additional nutritional balance.

Fun Spins on Chicken Noodle Bake Flavor

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Noodle Bake: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin. Add diced green chiles and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Casserole: Incorporate fresh oregano, basil, and thyme. Mix in crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Mushroom Lovers Chicken Noodle Bake: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with the vegetables. Use a blend of wild mushrooms and add a splash of white wine to enhance the earthy flavors.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Noodle Bake: Substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta. Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

FAQs on Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake

  • Can I use a different type of pasta if I don't have egg noodles?

Absolutely! You can substitute egg noodles with any wide pasta like penne, rotini, or even wide egg noodles. Just make sure to cook them al dente to maintain the right texture.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using whole wheat pasta, adding more vegetables like spinach or broccoli, and opting for low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. You can also use skinless chicken breast for a leaner protein option.

  • Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes! This creamy chicken noodle bake stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed.

  • Can I freeze this chicken noodle bake?

Definitely! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

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Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe

Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this Chicken Noodle Bake, where hearty pasta, tender chicken, and rich cream sauce meld into a soul-warming masterpiece. Cheesy, creamy layers promise pure satisfaction that will draw friends and family around the dinner table with anticipation.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 10 ounces (283 grams) egg noodles
  • 1 ½ cups (225 grams) cooked chicken fillet, cut into small cubes
  • 1 ½ cups (210 grams) frozen peas and carrots, thawed

Seasoning and Herbs:

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Dairy and Liquid Components:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 sweet onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Submerge egg noodles in generously salted boiling water, cooking until they reach a perfect al dente texture with a slight resistance when bitten.
  2. Heat a skillet and melt butter until it shimmers, then introduce diced onions and minced garlic, releasing their aromatic essence with Italian seasoning.
  3. Fold peas and carrots into the sautéed aromatics, creating a colorful vegetable medley. Season with salt and pepper, allowing vegetables to soften and become tender.
  4. Dust the vegetable mixture with flour, stirring thoroughly to create a smooth, even coating that will help thicken the sauce.
  5. Stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky, luxurious base.
  6. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer, occasionally stirring, until it transforms into a rich, velvety consistency that clings beautifully to the vegetables.
  7. Incorporate drained noodles and pre-cooked chicken cubes into the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure every morsel is lavishly coated.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding a final sprinkle of salt and pepper to elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
  9. Transfer the creamy chicken noodle bake to serving dishes, ensuring each portion is generously loaded with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and luscious sauce.

Notes

  • Perfectly cook noodles al dente to maintain a delightful texture and prevent mushiness during baking.
  • Sauté vegetables with butter and Italian seasoning to build a rich, aromatic flavor foundation for the dish.
  • Create a velvety sauce by gradually whisking flour, chicken broth, and heavy cream to ensure smooth, lump-free consistency.
  • Incorporate pre-cooked chicken cubes for a convenient protein boost and time-saving meal preparation.
  • Balance seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile and bring out subtle flavors.
  • Quick one-skillet method reduces kitchen cleanup and streamlines the cooking process for busy home cooks.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 510
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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