Easy Healthy Chicken Noodle Casserole (One Dish!)
This comforting classic reimagined offers a lighter take on a beloved comfort food, featuring lean protein, tender noodles, and a medley of garden-fresh vegetables. The dish presents a complete, wholesome meal baked to golden perfection within a single baking vessel.
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven (at least 12 inches in diameter)
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Lid or aluminum foil (to cover the skillet/Dutch oven during baking)
- Oven mitts
- Serving Spoon
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 carrots peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 8 oz whole wheat egg noodles
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, toss chicken pieces with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Saut Vegetables: Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and saut for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Step 3: Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add Noodles and Broth: Stir in the whole wheat egg noodles and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, ensuring the noodles are submerged in the broth.
- Step 5: Bake Casserole: Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 6: Stir in Remaining Ingredients: Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully stir in the frozen peas, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and dried thyme. Mix until well combined and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 7: Add Breadcrumbs (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the whole wheat breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole for a golden crust.
- Step 8: Broil (Optional): For extra browning, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 9: Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
- Tips: For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with 1 (14 oz) can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or cubed firm tofu. To add more vegetables, include chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free. A sprinkle of paprika can add a touch of smokiness.
Notes
Variations
This chicken noodle casserole offers a versatile canvas for culinary creativity. Ingredient substitutions, regional twists, and dietary adjustments can transform the dish while retaining its comforting essence.
- Ingredient Swaps: For a vegetarian adaptation, consider substituting chicken with an equivalent amount of cubed, firm tofu or canned chickpeas. Additional vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach can augment the nutritional value and flavor profile. Different types of noodles, such as rotini or penne, may be used in place of egg noodles, although cooking times might need adjustment.
- Regional Twists: To infuse a Southwestern flair, add diced green chiles, corn kernels, and a pinch of cumin to the casserole. For a Mediterranean touch, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. An Asian-inspired variation might include bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and a drizzle of soy sauce.
- Dietary Adjustments: For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free noodles and ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. To reduce sodium content, opt for low-sodium chicken broth and minimize added salt. A dairy-free version can be achieved by substituting Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative such as cashew cream or coconut yogurt, and Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
The chicken noodle casserole presents a comforting and complete meal suitable for various occasions. It is equally appealing as a hearty weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share at a potluck. Serving the casserole alongside a simple green salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to its richness. A side of crusty bread, ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce, enhances the dining experience. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, adds a touch of elegance and visual appeal. The optimal serving temperature is warm, allowing the flavors to fully develop and create a satisfying culinary experience.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential to preserve the freshness and flavor of the chicken noodle casserole. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerated, the casserole can be stored for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) until heated through. For longer-term storage, the casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that the texture of the noodles may change slightly upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from a chilled state. - Question 2: Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving alternative to cooking chicken breasts from scratch. Use approximately 3 cups of shredded chicken. - Question 3: Is it possible to make this casserole in a slow cooker?
While not the primary method, this casserole can be adapted for a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients (except Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the noodles are tender. Stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese just before serving. - Question 4: Can the vegetables be pre-cooked before adding to the casserole?
Yes, pre-cooking the vegetables, either by roasting or sauting, can enhance their flavor and ensure they are tender when the casserole is baked. Adjust cooking times accordingly.