If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole with Mushrooms, Cheddar, and Ritz Crackers Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, velvety cheese sauce, earthy mushrooms, and that irresistible golden Ritz cracker topping. Every bite offers layers of comforting flavors and textures, making it a family favorite that’s just as special for weeknight dinners as it is for gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking for a crowd-pleaser, this casserole promises to delight with its cozy richness and nostalgic charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole with Mushrooms, Cheddar, and Ritz Crackers Recipe so wonderful is its straightforward yet purposeful list of ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s the creamy cheddar that adds depth, the mushrooms bringing an earthy note, or the Ritz crackers creating that satisfyingly crisp topping. Let’s dive into these essentials that make this casserole unforgettable.
- 12 ounces extra-wide egg noodles: These wide noodles hold the sauce beautifully and provide a hearty base.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a light, fruity note while sautéing mushrooms to golden perfection.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Butter enriches the flavor and helps in creating the luscious sauce and crispy topping.
- 10 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and sliced: Bring earthy, savory depth to every bite.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Offer a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds aromatic warmth that complements the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The secret for thickening the luscious cheese sauce.
- 3 cups whole milk: Provides creaminess and balances the richness of the cheese.
- 2 cups low-sodium or homemade chicken broth: Boosts flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 6 ounces American cheese, deli style, roughly chopped: Melts smoothly to add velvety texture.
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Offers bold, tangy sharpness that defines the casserole’s cheesy character.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle kick of garlic flavor that enhances without overwhelming.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Lifts the sauce with a gentle tanginess and complexity.
- 4 cups cooked chicken, diced: The hearty protein star of the dish, perfect with either rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken breasts.
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas: Little bursts of sweet freshness that brighten the casserole.
- 20 Ritz crackers, broken into small pieces: Create that iconic crunchy, buttery topping everyone loves.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole with Mushrooms, Cheddar, and Ritz Crackers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step sets the stage for a smooth cooking process and an evenly baked casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the extra-wide egg noodles until they are just shy of al dente. This ensures they hold their shape and texture during baking. Drain them well, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, and then toss with 1 tablespoon of butter to keep them luscious and separated.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
In a skillet heated with olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat, sauté the mushrooms until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop that deep, savory flavor. Once done, transfer them directly into the pot with the noodles to blend all those earthy notes together.
Step 4: Cook the Carrots and Onions
Using the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter and add the chopped carrots and onions. Cook them just until softened and their natural sweetness comes through without losing their slight bite. Then, fold these veggies into your noodles and mushrooms for delightful texture contrasts.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
This step is where the magic really happens. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet and whisk in the flour, cooking it for about a minute to form a golden roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, then bring it to a boil before lowering the heat to let it simmer until thickened. Stir in both the American and sharp cheddar cheeses until completely melted and smooth. Finally, season with garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to elevate all the flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Combine All Ingredients
Pour the sumptuous cheese sauce over the noodle and vegetable mix, then gently fold in the diced cooked chicken and frozen peas. This ensures every forkful is packed with creamy, savory, and fresh elements. Once combined, transfer everything into your prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Add the Topping
Melt the remaining butter and drizzle it over the 20 broken Ritz crackers sprinkled evenly across the top of the casserole. This step guarantees a golden, crunchy, buttery crust that adds an irresistible finishing touch.
Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Bake the casserole for 15 minutes or until it reaches a bubbly, golden-brown perfection. To avoid excessive browning, tent the dish with foil halfway through. When done, let it rest for about 10 minutes; this allows the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up for easy serving.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole with Mushrooms, Cheddar, and Ritz Crackers Recipe
Garnishes
To really make this casserole sing at the table, consider fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or chives. Their vibrant green color adds a pop of freshness, and their subtle herbal notes cut through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole makes a wonderful main course, so pairing it with light, crisp sides works best. Think a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to balance the creaminess and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a homey feel or spoon individual portions into small ramekins for a charming presentation. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheddar or a few crackers on top right before serving adds a fresh crunch to each plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole with Mushrooms, Cheddar, and Ritz Crackers Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the uncooked casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it from frozen, adding extra time to the baking stage and tenting with foil as needed.
Reheating
For reheating, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly throughout, about 20-25 minutes. To restore the crunchy topping, uncover during the last 5 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While American and sharp cheddar cheeses give the dish its signature taste and creaminess, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a slightly different flavor profile. Just choose cheeses that melt well.
Is it okay to use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes! Cooked chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked, diced into bite-sized pieces, and ready to be stirred in before baking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can omit the chicken and increase the mushrooms or add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth in the sauce instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
What can I substitute for Ritz crackers if I don’t have any?
Panko breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers like saltines make great alternatives for the crunchy topping. You can also mix in a bit of melted butter to mimic that rich flavor.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
You want to see a bubbly sauce around the edges and a golden-brown, crisp topping. The internal temperature should be hot throughout, and letting it rest before serving helps the casserole set nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that wraps you in familiar flavors and textures, and this Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole with Mushrooms, Cheddar, and Ritz Crackers Recipe does just that in every bite. From the first creamy spoonful to the last crispy nibble, it’s a dish that feels like home. I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and enjoy the loving flavors it brings to your table!
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Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole with Mushrooms, Cheddar, and Ritz Crackers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole combines tender egg noodles, sautéed mushrooms, carrots, onions, and succulent cooked chicken in a creamy cheese sauce. Topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs and baked until golden and bubbly, it makes a perfect hearty meal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 12 ounces extra-wide egg noodles
- 4 cups cooked chicken, diced (about 4 medium chicken breasts or 1 rotisserie chicken)
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 10 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
Dairy and Cheese
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cups whole milk
- 6 ounces American cheese, deli style, rough chopped
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Pantry Staples and Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium or homemade chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 20 Ritz crackers, broken into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the extra-wide egg noodles and cook until almost al dente, as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the noodles, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and toss with 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are browned and have released their moisture. Transfer the sautéed mushrooms to the pot with the noodles.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped carrots and onions. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Transfer these vegetables to the pot with the noodles and mushrooms.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir in the chopped American cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the noodles, mushrooms, carrots, and onions. Add the diced cooked chicken and frozen peas. Gently fold everything together until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan.
- Add Topping: Melt the remaining butter. Sprinkle the broken Ritz crackers evenly over the top of the casserole, then drizzle the melted butter over the crackers to create a crunchy, flavorful topping.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. To prevent the topping from over-browning, tent the casserole with foil halfway through baking. Once done, let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Using cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover) speeds up preparation without sacrificing flavor.
- Ensure noodles are slightly undercooked before baking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- To keep the cracker topping crisp, avoid stirring the casserole immediately after baking.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a different flavor profile.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat milk and cheese, and reduce or omit butter accordingly.
- Make sure to tent the casserole halfway through baking to avoid a burnt topping.
