Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that’s both creamy and packed with flavor. Combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, it’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 3/4 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
• 2 cups broth or water
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 pound short cut pasta
• 2 zucchini or yellow summer squash, sliced
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded colby jack or cheddar cheese
• Fresh basil, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. Step 2: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cubed chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, sliced green onions, fresh thyme leaves, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is golden and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the broth and whole milk, and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
5. Step 5: Add the pasta and sliced zucchini. Season again with salt and pepper, and stir frequently until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed, about 8 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in the grated Parmesan and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. If your pot is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
8. Step 8: Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
9. Step 9: Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and additional thyme if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or chicken broth for richer taste.
• Swap zucchini with yellow squash, or mix both for variety.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the milk while cooking for a subtle warmth.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream before baking.
• To make it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add chopped jalapeños.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in the oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk when reheating can help maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Short cut pasta like elbow macaroni or penne works best, but you can substitute with any small pasta shape you prefer.

Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 134 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting one-pot meal combining tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and cheesy pasta baked to golden perfection. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, offering a delicious blend of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors with fresh herbs and melted cheese topping.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein & Vegetables

• 3/4 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 zucchini or yellow summer squash, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• fresh basil, for serving

Dairy

• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack or cheddar cheese

Pantry & Spices

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
• 2 cups broth or water
• 1 pound short cut pasta

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare the base: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for cooking the aromatics and chicken.
2. Cook chicken and aromatics: Add the chopped yellow onion and cubed chicken to the melted butter. Season with salt and black pepper. Then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, green onions, fresh thyme leaves, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and the mixture is toasted aromatic, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the broth and whole milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add the short cut pasta and sliced zucchini. Season again with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed, approximately 8 minutes.
4. Incorporate cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of the shredded Colby Jack or cheddar cheese until well combined and creamy. If the pot is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture into a casserole dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and beginning to brown, creating a golden crust.
6. Serve: Remove from oven carefully, let it cool slightly, then serve warm garnished with additional fresh thyme and chopped fresh basil, if desired.

Notes

• If you don’t have broth, water can be used but adding a bouillon cube or extra seasoning is recommended for more flavor.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount based on your preferred spice level.
• Use short cut pasta varieties like penne, rotini, or elbows for best results.
• For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk or use reduced-fat cheese.
• If you prefer a crispy topping, add breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Zucchini casserole, chicken noodle casserole, cheesy chicken pasta bake, comfort food, one-pot dinner