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Cozy Chicken Nugget Casserole

cozy chicken nugget casserole - featured image
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A quick and easy comforting casserole combining crispy chicken nuggets with creamy cheesy pasta and vegetables, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20–24 chicken nuggets (frozen or homemade)
  • 3 cups cooked pasta (about 8 ounces or 225 grams; elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 170 grams)
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (150 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (about 30 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (about 28 grams; melted)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup and milk. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and frozen peas and carrots. Stir in the cooked pasta until evenly coated.
  5. Pour the creamy pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and spread evenly.
  6. Arrange chicken nuggets in a single layer on top of the pasta mixture, pressing lightly.
  7. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken nuggets.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Tent casserole with foil if breadcrumbs brown too quickly. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing. For extra crispiness, broil last 2-3 minutes. Swap gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for gluten-free version. Use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives for dairy-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken nugget casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy casserole, creamy casserole, kid-friendly dinner

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/cozy-chicken-nugget-casserole-recipe-easy-comforting-family-dinner/