The Ultimate Chicken and Noodle Casserole

This chicken casserole recipe is called the 'ultimate' for some very good reasons: It's a chicken and noodle casserole that also features Alfredo sauce and veggies, plus it's topped with panko, pecans, and Parmesan cheese.

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Return to hot pan.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Return to hot pan.

  • Meanwhile, in a large saucepan melt the 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook and stir until mushrooms are tender. Stir into pasta along with the chicken, pasta sauce, Italian-blend cheeses, asparagus, sour cream, roasted sweet peppers, and fines herbes. Transfer mixture to an ungreased 3-quart rectangular baking dish.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan melt the 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook and stir until mushrooms are tender. Stir into pasta along with the chicken, pasta sauce, Italian-blend cheeses, asparagus, sour cream, roasted sweet peppers, and fines herbes. Transfer mixture to an ungreased 3-quart rectangular baking dish.

  • In a small bowl combine panko, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and the 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle over chicken mixture. Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through and topping is golden brown.

In a small bowl combine panko, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and the 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle over chicken mixture. Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through and topping is golden brown.

*Tip:

If you don't have cooked chicken on hand, pick some up at the supermarket. Look for refrigerated or frozen chopped, cooked chicken or buy deli-roasted chicken, each of which will yield 1 1/2 to 2 cups of boneless chopped meat. If you like, you can cook your own. In a large skillet combine 1 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts and 2 cups water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 12 to 14 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (170°F). Drain well. Chop chicken. By starting with 1 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, you will get about 3 cups cubed cooked chicken.