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Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole

This Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole is a creamy, cheesy one-pan dinner loaded with tender chicken, fresh zucchini, pasta, and melted cheddar. It’s an easy comfort food recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

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

2 cups chicken 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. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large oven-safe pot over medium heat.

3. Add the onion and cubed chicken. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Stir in the remaining butter, green onions, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.

5. Pour in the broth and milk, then bring to a gentle boil.

6. Add the pasta and sliced zucchini. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 8 minutes.

7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese.

8. Transfer to a greased casserole dish if needed, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.

9. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

10. Garnish with fresh basil and additional thyme before serving.

Notes

Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

Cook the pasta only until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.

For a crispier topping, broil for the final 2 minutes.

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

  • Author: Angelina
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: zucchini cheddar chicken noodle casserole, chicken casserole, cheesy pasta bake, zucchini casserole