When comfort food calls, this easy chicken macaroni casserole recipe delivers with creamy, cheesy goodness that brings everyone to the table! Tender chicken, perfectly cooked macaroni, and veggies come together in a rich, flavorful sauce. Looking for a low-carb option? Try this chicken and spinach or chicken alfredo. Love cozy meals? This chicken penne vodka or pot pie is a must!

This is literally the easiest recipe ever! With simple pantry staples and minimal prep, you’ll have a home-cooked meal ready in no time. The blend of cream soups, tomato sauce, and cheddar cheese creates a velvety texture packed with flavor. Love creamy dishes? Try this grilled chicken alfredo or dairy-free cream chicken. Need something lighter? This chicken salad is perfect!

What You'll Love

One-dish meal that combines protein, vegetables, and pasta for a complete dinner solution
Make-ahead friendly – prepare in advance and bake when needed for busy weeknights
Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and lunches

A white spoon lifting a cheesy, creamy bite of chicken macaroni casserole with green bell peppers.

Recipe Ingredients

This easy chicken macaroni casserole recipe comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator:

Macaroni pasta
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Yellow onion
Green bell pepper
Celery
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Cream of mushroom soup
Cream of chicken soup
Tomato sauce
Yellow mustard
Cheddar cheese
Butter (for sautéing)

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredient Notes

Pasta choices: While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute any short pasta like shells, penne, or rotini with equally delicious results.
Cream soups: The combination of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken creates the perfect creamy base, but you can use two cans of either if that's what you have on hand.
Cheese options: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella creates an amazing cheese pull when serving.

How to Make Easy Chicken Macaroni Casserole Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect easy chicken macaroni casserole. For precise measurements and a printable version, scroll to the recipe card below.

Cook pasta: Boil the macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
Prep oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Cook chicken and vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté chicken pieces with diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and seasonings until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Create the sauce: Add both cream soups, tomato sauce, and mustard to the skillet, stirring to combine.
Combine everything: Mix in the cooked macaroni and about ⅔ of the shredded cheese until well incorporated.
Transfer and bake: Pour the mixture into a 9x13 baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 40 minutes.
Add cheese topping: Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 5-10 more minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set up properly.

A wooden spoon scooping up a portion of cheesy chicken macaroni casserole from a black skillet.

Pro Tips

Don't overcook your pasta! Boil it just until al dente (or even slightly underdone) since it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents your casserole from becoming mushy and ensures perfect texture in every bite.

A wooden spoon scooping a serving of creamy chicken macaroni casserole with melted cheddar cheese.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer instructions: This casserole freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating method: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top, or reheat larger portions covered in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20-25 minutes).

Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

Add 1 cup of frozen peas or corn for extra color and nutrition
Mix in 4 oz of cream cheese for an ultra-creamy texture
Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for a crunchy topping
Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning for a flavor twist

Substitutions:

Swap chicken for 1 pound of cooked ground beef or turkey
Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken for a time-saving shortcut
Replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick
Substitute Greek yogurt mixed with chicken broth for the cream soups if you prefer fewer processed ingredients

FAQs about this Easy Chicken Macaroni Casserole Recipe

How long do I cook macaroni casserole in the oven?

This easy chicken macaroni casserole recipe needs about 40 minutes covered, plus 5-10 minutes uncovered to brown the cheese topping.

Should I bake my macaroni covered or uncovered?

Cover the casserole for most of the baking time to prevent it from drying out, then uncover for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to brown.

What are the main ingredients of this casserole?

The main ingredients are macaroni pasta, chicken, vegetables, cream soups, tomato sauce, and cheddar cheese, creating a hearty and flavorful meal.

What Can I Serve with Chicken Macaroni Casserole?

This hearty easy chicken macaroni casserole is practically a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread for a complete dinner. For special occasions, serve it alongside some crusty French bread and a light vinaigrette salad to balance the richness of the casserole.

If you try this easy chicken macaroni casserole recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me in your social media posts so I can see your delicious creation. Your feedback helps other readers and means the world to me!

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