Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Guide to Southern Comfort Mastery
This Paula Deen-inspired chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food made with tender chicken, pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden baked topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups cooked pasta (penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 3 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, Swiss, or mix)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in skillet and sauté onion and garlic for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook 1 minute.
- Whisk in milk and sour cream until sauce thickens.
- Add cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Mix in chicken, cooked pasta, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to greased baking dish and top with extra cheese if desired.
- Bake 20–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Freshly grated cheese melts smoother.
- Add breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.