[ Chicken Noodle Casserole ]

Prep Time20minutes mins

Cook Time30minutes mins

Total Time50minutes mins

I haven't tried this yet.

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 12 ounces egg noodles , cooked al dente
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 24 ounces cottage cheese , small curd
• 1 large egg , beaten
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese , divided
• 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese , divided
• 4 cups cooked chicken , chopped
• fresh chopped parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

• Cook egg noodles in a large pot of boiling water, just until al dente, or even 1-2 minutes less. (The noodles will continue to cook later, when baked). Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
• Sauce: Melt butter in an extra large saucepan over medium to medium high heat. Add flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried basil. Cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, about a cup at a time, until mixture is thickened, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Cheese layer: In a large mixing bowl stir together cottage cheese, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. 
• Combine: Add chicken, noodles and cheese mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine. Taste and add additional salt, pepper or dried basil, if needed.
• Bake: Pour mixture into a 9x13’’ baking dish (or you can bake it right in an oven-safe saucepan it is in). Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes or until golden on top and bubbly. Cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make Ahead Instructions: Prep the dish up to 24 hours in advance, just slightly undercook the egg noodles. Assemble then cover tightly with foil and store in the fridge. Let sit on the counter for 30 minutes before baking as instructed.

Freezing Instructions: Undercook the noodles and only boil them for 4 minutes then follow the recipe to assemble and bake. Allow it to cool completely then cover with a double layer of aluminum foil and keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen for 1 1/2 hours (still covered with foil). Take the foil off and bake for an additional 20-40 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Gluten-Free Adaptations: Use gluten-free egg noodles, and all-purpose flour.