I’m so excited to share my Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole with you! This isn’t just a dinner — it’s cozy, creamy, and comforting, like a warm hug after a long day. Imagine tender chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh zucchini all baked together with soft egg noodles under a golden, bubbly top. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I made this casserole — my family scraped their plates clean, and my niece even asked for seconds! It has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s both easy to make and loaded with flavor.
The beauty of this recipe is how everything comes together: juicy chicken, sautéed zucchini, tender egg noodles, and a rich, cheesy sauce that ties it all together. It’s hearty enough to be the main course but versatile enough to serve as a side dish when hosting guests.
If you’ve had a long day and want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen, this dish will become your new weeknight favorite.
Description
This Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Here’s why it works so well:
• Tender chicken that’s sautéed until golden and juicy
• Fresh zucchini that adds color, texture, and a healthy boost
• Sharp cheddar cheese for rich, creamy deliciousness
• Egg noodles that soak up all the flavors without turning mushy
• A simple sauce made from chicken broth and cheese for that perfect creaminess
• Italian herbs and garlic to add depth and balance
It’s a complete one-dish meal — quick to prepare, easy to bake, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell incredible.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 8 oz medium egg noodles
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Chop zucchini into small cubes and finely dice the onion.
• Mince the garlic — trust me, this will make your kitchen smell heavenly. - Sauté the Veggies
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Cook the Chicken and Zucchini
• Add diced chicken and zucchini to the skillet.
• Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
• Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. - Cook the Noodles
• In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil.
• Add egg noodles and cook until al dente (firm but tender) — about 6–8 minutes.
• Drain and set aside. - Make the Cheesy Sauce
• In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth and 1½ cups cheddar cheese until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into the skillet with the chicken and zucchini.
• Stir until everything is coated in creamy goodness. - Combine and Bake
• Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles until everything is evenly mixed.
• Transfer to a greased baking dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top.
• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Process Details
• Cooking the Chicken: Browning the chicken first locks in its juices and gives it a rich, savory flavor.
• Cheesy Perfection: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the sauce, creating that irresistible creamy texture.
• Texture Balance: Cooking the noodles until just al dente ensures they stay tender but never mushy after baking.
• Flavor Boost: Italian herbs, garlic, and onion add depth without overpowering the cheese and chicken.
Tips for Success
- Go Sharp: Use sharp cheddar for the richest flavor.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, shred pre-cooked chicken instead of cooking raw chicken.
- Broil for Crispiness: For a golden, crunchy top, broil the casserole for the last 1–2 minutes of baking.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble ahead, refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready to serve.
Serving Ideas
- Family Dinner Favorite: Serve with a simple green salad or roasted veggies on the side.
- Potluck Perfect: Bring it to gatherings — it always gets rave reviews.
- Make It Veggie-Packed: Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey, ground beef, or even tofu for a different twist.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 570mg
• Sugar: 3g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
My Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole is the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and cozy — a recipe that feels like home in every bite. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to serve at family gatherings.
Trust me, once you make it, this casserole will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this dish delivers every time.
