If you’re anything like me, weeknights can get a little hectic, right? That’s why I absolutely adore easy dinner casseroles! They’re the ultimate solution for those busy evenings when you need a hearty meal without a mountain of dishes waiting for you. This recipe is a family favorite because it combines simple ingredients—like cooked pasta, chicken, and veggies—into a warm, comforting dish that everyone loves. Plus, it’s super customizable! You can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand or even use leftover chicken. Trust me, after a long day, there’s nothing like pulling a cheesy casserole out of the oven and knowing dinner is ready to go. It’s cozy, delicious, and oh-so-easy!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (I usually use penne or rotini, but any shape works!)
- 1 cup diced chicken (Leftover rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for this!)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (This adds such a lovely creaminess—don’t skip it!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for that gooey texture!)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (Frozen works great; just toss them in without thawing!)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (For that extra flavor kick!)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (It blends beautifully with the other flavors!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Season to your liking; I always go a little heavy on the pepper!)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your casserole to bake evenly and get that beautiful golden cheese on top!
- While the oven is heating up, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cream of mushroom soup, and mixed vegetables. You can use fresh or frozen veggies—whatever you have on hand! Just make sure everything is mixed well.
- Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it another good stir until all the ingredients are nicely coated and you can see that creamy goodness coming together.
- Now, pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish, but any similarly sized one will work. Just make sure it’s greased so nothing sticks!
- Here comes the fun part! Sprinkle that shredded cheese generously over the top. The more, the merrier, right?
- Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it—look for that cheese to be bubbly and golden. It’s hard to resist the delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen!
- Once it’s done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This will help it set a bit and make serving easier. Then, dig in and enjoy your cozy dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: This casserole comes together in just 15 minutes, leaving you with more time to unwind after a busy day.
- Minimal Clean-Up: With just one mixing bowl and a baking dish, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Delicious Taste: The creamy texture combined with the cheesy topping creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will rave about.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand—this recipe is all about flexibility!
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love cheesy pasta, and this dish is a great way to sneak in some veggies without them even noticing!
- Comfort Food: Nothing beats the warmth of a homemade casserole on a chilly evening—it’s like a hug in a dish!
Tips for Success
To make your easy dinner casserole truly shine, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t overcook your pasta before adding it to the mix; it should be al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. If you want to mix things up, try adding different proteins like ground beef or turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option. Just ensure they’re cooked before mixing in. Also, feel free to switch up the cheese—pepper jack adds a nice kick! If you have picky eaters, try blending in some pureed vegetables into the soup for extra nutrition without the fuss. And remember, letting it cool slightly before serving helps everything hold together better. Enjoy the process, and don’t stress—casseroles are meant to be forgiving!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to easy dinner casseroles, it’s always nice to know what you’re getting in terms of nutrition! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the typical values for one serving (about 1 cup) of this delicious dish:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Sugar: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. So, feel free to adjust based on your own ingredient choices! It’s always good to be informed, and these casseroles pack a nutritious punch while keeping dinner stress-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of soup?
Absolutely! While I love the classic cream of mushroom soup, you can easily substitute it with cream of chicken or even a cheesy soup for a different flavor twist. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the taste!
What if I don’t have cooked pasta on hand?
No problem! You can cook your pasta right before mixing it in. Just follow the package instructions until it’s al dente, and then add it to the mixture. Alternatively, you can use uncooked pasta—just add a bit of extra liquid to the casserole to accommodate the longer cooking time.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This easy dinner casserole is perfect for making ahead. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven directly from the fridge, but you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How can I make this casserole healthier?
Great question! You can make it healthier by using whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, or adding more veggies. You can also reduce the amount of cream soup by mixing in Greek yogurt for creaminess while cutting down on calories.
What can I serve with this casserole?
I love serving this casserole with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies on the side. You can also pair it with garlic bread for a more filling meal. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to complement this cozy dish perfectly!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your easy dinner casserole, there are so many delicious options to complement this comforting dish! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up any cheesy goodness left on your plate.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss some seasonal veggies like carrots, broccoli, or zucchini with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, then roast until tender. They add a lovely, caramelized flavor and extra nutrition!
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli is a classic side that adds a pop of color and a nutritious boost. Drizzle with a little lemon juice for added brightness!
- Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw can offer a nice contrast to the warm casserole and is a great way to add some crunch.
Feel free to mix and match these sides based on what you have at home or what you’re in the mood for! The key is to keep it simple so you can enjoy a stress-free meal together.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers are one of the best parts about making easy dinner casseroles! Here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy that deliciousness again. First, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. If you have a lot left, you can also cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store your casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions! Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a couple of great reheating methods:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave. Just place your portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to ensure it’s warmed evenly.
Whichever method you choose, keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook. And if you feel like it needs a little pick-me-up, sprinkle some extra cheese on top before reheating for that melty goodness! Enjoy those comforting leftovers!
Print
Easy Dinner Casseroles: 7 Comforting Family Favorites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick and easy dinner casseroles for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup diced chicken
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced chicken, cream of mushroom soup, mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker prep.
- Substitute any vegetables you have on hand.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy dinner casseroles
