I’m a big casserole advocate. They’re so comforting and not to mention easy to put together. A casserole like this is also great for customization! This recipe is a great way to use up some ingredients hanging out in your fridge or pantry. Feel free to get creative and mix in any of your favorite ingredients. This is a type of meal that also freezes really well! Make a few batches, freeze, and throw the casserole in the oven for an effortless dinner when you’re pressed for time. Dinner can’t get any easier than this!
Ingredients
This recipe is made with staples from your pantry and fridge. I’m sure you have almost everything you need waiting at home!
Olive oil – You can use any other type of mild-flavored oil that you have handy. Elbow macaroni – You can use other small shapes such as penne, rotini, farfalle, etc. White onion – You can use red or yellow onion as well. Bell pepper – I used red, but you can use any type of bell pepper you want. Zucchini – Eggplant or yellow squash can be used if you can’t find zucchini. Chicken breasts – Thighs or ground chicken will work as well. Half & half – This is half milk, half cream. It’s usually around 10%. Coffee cream, regular milk, or heavy cream can be used in its place. Marinara sauce – Use your favorite type! You can also use homemade sauce. Cheese – This recipe calls for Parmesan and mozzarella. Breadcrumbs – I used panko for some extra crunch but any type of breadcrumb you have will work. Salt and pepper – Season to taste. Parsley – I love to use some chopped fresh parsley to garnish.
How to Make Chicken Pasta Casserole
What Else Can I Mix Into My Casserole?
This casserole is really easy to mix up and customize depending on what you need to use up in your fridge. Give some of these a try!
Ground beef or turkey Sausage Bacon Chopped carrots Peas Corn Broccoli Tomatoes Cabbage or kale Mushrooms Black beans
How to Store Leftovers
Let the casserole cool down to room temperature. You can either wrap the pan up with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or you can transfer everything to an airtight container. This casserole will last 3-5 days in the fridge. Heat up either in the oven or in the microwave until heated through.
Freezing
It’s best to freeze this casserole before baking, but, of course, you can freeze cooked leftovers. Layer everything in the baking dish and wrap it well with both plastic wrap and aluminum foil before storing it in the freezer to avoid freezer burn. This casserole will last 2 months frozen. Reheat in the oven at 400F covered for 40 minutes, then uncovered for 20 minutes or until heated through.
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