Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Noodle Casserole
Zucchini casserole: bake this comforting chicken noodle dish with melted cheddar and fresh thyme. A perfect family meal ready in under an hour.
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
- 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 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cubed chicken, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken is lightly browned.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, sliced green onions, fresh thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden.
- Pour in the broth and milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Add the egg noodles and diced zucchini, and season with salt and pepper. Stir frequently until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. If needed, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe 9x13 inch casserole dish. Scatter the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh thyme and basil if desired.
Notes
- Don't overcook the pasta in the pot; it will continue to cook in the oven. Aim for a firm al dente before transferring.
- For food safety, ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- For food safety, ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.