Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole

This Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole is a cozy, comforting dinner that’s loaded with tender chicken, pasta, zucchini, and plenty of melty cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a one-pan meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole takes the classic chicken noodle concept and gives it a cheesy, veggie-packed upgrade. The zucchini adds freshness and texture, while the colby jack (or cheddar) and Parmesan create a rich, gooey sauce. With simple seasonings like paprika, thyme, and cayenne, every bite is full of flavor without being complicated. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home cooking but with a little extra flair.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 tablespoons salted butter

• 3/4 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes

• 1 yellow onion, chopped

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)

• 2 cups chicken broth or water

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk

• 1 pound short-cut pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)

• 2 zucchini or yellow summer squash, sliced

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 1/2 cups shredded colby jack or cheddar cheese

• Fresh basil, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion and chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until chicken is lightly golden.

3. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter, green onions, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

4. Pour in broth and milk. Bring to a gentle boil. Add pasta and zucchini. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.

5. Stir in Parmesan and 1 cup of shredded cheese. If needed, transfer mixture to a greased oven-safe casserole dish.

6. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and extra thyme.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Calories: approximately 550 kcal per serving

Variations

• Add more veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli would be great additions.

• Make it spicier: Add more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.

• Switch the cheese: Use mozzarella for extra gooeyness or Gruyère for a nutty flavor.

• Swap the protein: Use rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even Italian sausage.

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and adjust cook time slightly.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or microwave individual portions.

• Freeze: Assemble the casserole before baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding 15–20 minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works well—just reduce the stovetop cooking time in step 2.

Can I substitute zucchini with another vegetable?

Yes, yellow squash, broccoli, or spinach are great alternatives.

Do I need to boil the pasta separately?

No, the pasta cooks directly in the broth and milk for convenience and extra flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

What pasta works best?

Short-cut pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni holds the sauce and bakes evenly.

Can I make this casserole lighter?

Yes, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to cut calories.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from cayenne, but you can reduce or omit it for a milder version.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I add breadcrumbs on top?

Absolutely—sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter and Parmesan before baking for a crunchy topping.

How do I keep the casserole creamy?

Don’t overbake—just bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Conclusion

Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole is a cheesy, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With its tender chicken, pasta, and golden cheesy topping, it’s comfort food at its best—made with simple ingredients in under an hour. Serve it hot with fresh basil for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal.

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