If you love warm, comforting meals that feel like a hug from the inside out, Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole is one recipe you’ll want to keep in rotation. Inspired by the homestyle comfort food vibes the Pioneer Woman is famous for, this creamy, cheesy chicken noodle casserole brings together tender egg noodles, juicy shredded chicken, vegetables, a silky sauce, and a bubbly, golden topping that makes the whole dish irresistible.

This casserole is the ultimate family dinner — kid-friendly, budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. It takes all the flavors you love in chicken noodle soup and transforms them into a filling, satisfying baked dish that feeds a crowd with ease. The prep is simple, the ingredients are everyday staples, and the flavor? Pure comfort.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to make the best chicken noodle casserole ever: the full recipe, variations, shortcuts, serving ideas, make-ahead tips, and more. Let’s get cooking!

Why This Chicken Noodle Casserole Works So Well

✔ Creamy, cozy, and ultra satisfying

The sauce clings to every noodle, wrapping the dish in rich, comforting flavor.

✔ Easy to make with everyday ingredients

Everything in this casserole is pantry- or fridge-friendly.

✔ Feeds the whole family

One pan makes 6–8 servings, perfect for leftovers and meal prep.

✔ Make-ahead friendly

Assemble it ahead, refrigerate, or freeze for later.

✔ Customizable

Swap veggies, adjust seasonings, or use rotisserie chicken for a faster meal.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup sliced carrots (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp paprika

For the Topping

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup crushed buttery crackers (Ritz)
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
2. Cook the Noodles
   Boil egg noodles according to package directions, but reduce cook time by 1–2 minutes so they stay firm. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
   In a large skillet, melt butter. Add diced onion and carrots; cook until softened, 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Make the Sauce
   Stir in cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, salt, pepper, parsley, and paprika.
5. Add Chicken & Veggies
   Stir in shredded chicken and frozen peas.
6. Combine with Noodles
   Add the cooked noodles and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Mix gently until well combined.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish
   Spread mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
8. Prepare the Topping
   Mix cheddar cheese with crushed crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole.
9. Bake
   Bake 25–30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
10. Serve
    Let cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy!

Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole

A creamy, comforting chicken noodle casserole inspired by Pioneer Woman—packed with noodles, veggies, chicken, and melted cheese.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Casserole, Dinner

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 420

Ingredients

  

Casserole Ingredients

• 12 oz egg noodles cooked and drained
• 3 cups shredded chicken cooked
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion diced
• 1 cup carrots sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup canned
• 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup canned
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 0.5 tsp paprika

Topping

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup crushed buttery crackers Ritz preferred
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Equipment

• Skillet
• Large pot
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13 casserole dish

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
2. Cook egg noodles until slightly underdone, then drain.
3. Sauté onions and carrots in butter until softened; add garlic.
4. Stir in both soups, broth, sour cream, salt, pepper, parsley, and paprika.
5. Add shredded chicken and peas; stir well.
6. Add cooked noodles and 1 cup cheddar; mix gently.
7. Transfer mixture to casserole dish.
8. Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle over casserole.
9. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add an additional 1/4 cup sour cream before baking.

Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Casserole

Undercook the noodles

They will continue cooking in the oven.

Use rotisserie chicken

Saves time and adds amazing flavor.

Don’t skip the topping

It adds crunch and richness that elevates the entire dish.

Taste before baking

Adjust seasonings based on your broth and soups.

Let it rest

10 minutes of resting before serving thickens the sauce and improves texture.

Variations

Veggie-packed version

Add broccoli, corn, mushrooms, or spinach.

Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Colby-Jack.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Version

Add cooked bacon + 1 tbsp ranch seasoning.

Creamy Garlic Alfredo Twist

Replace soups with 2 cups Alfredo sauce.

Healthier Option

Use light sour cream and reduced-sodium broth.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a green salad
• Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Add roasted vegetables on the side
• Top with extra cracked black pepper
• Serve with cranberry sauce for a holiday version

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerator

Lasts 3–4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer

Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Bake at 325°F covered until warmed through, or microwave individual servings.