If you’re looking for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this cheesy casserole dinner is just what you need! Picture layers of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and crisp broccoli all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for those cozy nights when you want something hearty without a ton of fuss. Plus, it’s so simple to whip up, you’ll find yourself making it time and time again. Trust me, once you dive into this cheesy goodness, you’ll understand why cheesy casserole dinners are a go-to for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. Get ready to dig in—this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your home!

Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect cheesy casserole dinner. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups cooked pasta: Any type works, but I love using rotini or penne for their ability to hold onto the sauce.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, but feel free to mix it with mild if you prefer.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This adds that gooey, melty texture we all crave.
• 1 cup diced cooked chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken you have on hand; it saves time and adds great flavor.
• 1 cup broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen works—just make sure to thaw and drain if using frozen!
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz): This gives the casserole its creamy base; you can also use cream of chicken if you prefer.
• 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can use any milk you have available.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: A must for that savory depth of flavor!
• 1 tsp onion powder: It complements the garlic and enhances the overall taste.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adjust to taste, but a little kick is always nice.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors together.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: For a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
• 2 tbsp melted butter: This helps the breadcrumbs crisp up perfectly!

How to Prepare Cheesy Casserole Dinners

Getting your cheesy casserole dinner ready is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute spent in the kitchen! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish bubbling away in no time. Let’s dive right in!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure your casserole bakes evenly.
2. Mix your ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Make sure everything is well mixed; you want each bite to have that rich flavor!
3. Add the cheeses: Gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This is where the magic starts to happen; the cheesy goodness will meld beautifully with your other ingredients.
4. Transfer to baking dish: Pour your delicious mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes uniformly.
5. Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, making sure it covers the mixture generously. This ensures that cheesy crust we all love!
6. Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with breadcrumbs until they’re nicely coated. Sprinkle this crunchy blend over the cheese layer. It’ll add a delightful texture!
7. Bake: Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for that golden, bubbly visual that says, “I’m ready to eat!”
8. Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

When it comes to cheesy casserole dinners, it’s important to remember that nutritional values can vary widely based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. While I’ve provided some general information about the calorie count and macronutrients, please keep in mind that this data is an estimate and not exact. If you have specific dietary needs or are tracking your nutrition closely, I recommend calculating the values based on the exact products you use. Ultimately, the joy of cooking comes from creating a meal that you love, so focus on enjoying the flavors and the experience of sharing it with loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, comforting flavors: The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli makes every bite a delight.
• Easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this casserole in no time—perfect for busy weeknights!
• One dish wonder: It’s all baked in one dish, which means less cleanup for you—who doesn’t love that?
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the veggies or cheeses to suit your taste; it’s a versatile base for endless variations!
• Feeds a crowd: This recipe yields six hearty servings, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
• Great leftovers: The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it just as delicious the next day!

Tips for Success

To ensure your cheesy casserole dinner turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t skip the resting time after baking; it helps the layers firm up, making serving easier and neater. If you want to add a bit more flavor, consider sautéing your broccoli briefly before mixing it in; it enhances the taste and adds a lovely texture. For a twist, swap out the chicken for cooked sausage or shredded beef for different flavor profiles! And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes before baking for an extra kick. Lastly, when plating, serve it alongside a crisp green salad to balance out the richness—trust me, it elevates the meal beautifully!

Variations on Cheesy Casserole Dinners

One of the best things about this cheesy casserole dinner is how easily you can tweak it to suit your tastes! If you’re a cheese lover, why not mix in some creamy goat cheese or crumbly feta for an extra layer of flavor? For those who want to switch up the veggies, try adding sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms to the mix; they’ll blend beautifully with the other ingredients. And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and load up on more vegetables—zucchini, carrots, or even sweet corn would work wonders! You could also experiment with different pasta shapes; shells or fusilli are fantastic choices that catch every bit of that cheesy goodness. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own!

Serving Suggestions

To truly elevate your cheesy casserole dinner experience, I love to pair it with a few well-chosen sides that complement its rich flavors! A fresh, crisp green salad is a perfect match; the crunch and acidity from the dressing balance out the creaminess of the casserole beautifully. I also recommend serving some roasted vegetables, like carrots and green beans, which bring a lovely sweetness and a bit of charred flavor to the table. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, a side of garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls is a fantastic choice, perfect for sopping up any cheesy sauce left on your plate. And let’s not forget a light, tangy coleslaw; its crunch and zest are a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey casserole. Enjoy your meal with a glass of chilled white wine or iced tea for an extra refreshing touch!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your cheesy casserole dinner fresh and delicious, it’s essential to store it properly. Once it has cooled down, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can also freeze individual portions. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for about 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you like a crispy topping, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to let it brown up nicely. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

For more delicious casserole ideas, check out Easy Casseroles for Kids or Casseroles: Mastering Comfort Food Techniques.

Cheesy Casserole Dinners: 7 Steps to Cozy Comfort Food

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and comforting cheesy casserole dinner that combines layers of flavor and texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt.
3. Fold in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Top with remaining cheese.
6. Melt butter and mix with breadcrumbs, then sprinkle over the cheese layer.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add more vegetables.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations for unique flavors.
• Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to set.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: cheesy casserole dinners, pasta casserole, chicken casserole