Kraft Creamy Chicken and Pasta Casserole: A Weeknight Hug in a Dish

There are some dishes that, for me, aren’t just about sustenance; they’re about comfort, about memory, about the gentle hum of a familiar kitchen. This Kraft Creamy Chicken and Pasta Casserole is one of those treasures. I recall vividly the first time I encountered it, a young home cook, fumbling through weeknight dinners with more enthusiasm than skill. It was a simple, unassuming dish, yet it delivered such a profound sense of satisfaction, a creamy, cheesy embrace that felt like a warm hug after a long day. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t demand your full attention during preparation but rewards you tenfold at the table, a testament to the power of straightforward, honest ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.

Recipe Overview

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to create this comforting casserole:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 1 (2.5-quart) casserole
• Dietary Type: Conventional

Ingredients

Gather these simple yet effective components to bring this classic casserole to life:

• 3⁄4 cup celery, chopped
• 3⁄4 cup red onion, chopped
• 3⁄4 cup red pepper, chopped
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 cups milk, 1% fat
• 4 cups pasta, cooked
• 3 cups chicken, chopped and cooked
• 1⁄2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated and divided

Equipment Needed

You’ll want to have these items on hand to ensure a smooth cooking process:

• Nonstick skillet
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Whisk (optional, for cream cheese)
• 2 1⁄2 quart casserole dish

Instructions

Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this delightful chicken and pasta casserole. Precision and a gentle hand will guide you to a perfectly creamy result.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Next, take a nonstick skillet and give it a light spray with cooking spray. Place the skillet over medium heat and allow it to warm up.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Once the skillet is ready, add your chopped celery, red onion, and red pepper. Cook and stir these vegetables for approximately three minutes, or until they reach a tender-crisp consistency. You want them softened slightly but still with a bit of a bite.
3. Build the Creamy Sauce: Now, it’s time to introduce the creamy elements. Cube the cream cheese and add it to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the 2 cups of milk and sprinkle in the 1⁄4 teaspoon of garlic salt. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes. The goal here is to melt the cream cheese completely, creating a smooth, luscious sauce. A whisk can be helpful at this stage to ensure the cream cheese incorporates seamlessly.
4. Combine the Stars: With your creamy sauce ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Gently add the 4 cups of cooked pasta and the 3 cups of chopped, cooked chicken into the skillet. Also, stir in half (1⁄4 cup) of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together carefully, ensuring the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the rich, creamy sauce.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the entire mixture from the skillet into a 2 1⁄2 quart casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is thoroughly heated through and bubbling around the edges.
7. The Grand Finale: Once the casserole is out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1⁄4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to meld beautifully.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As a chef, I always look for ways to elevate even the simplest dishes. Here are a few thoughts to make your Kraft Creamy Chicken and Pasta Casserole truly shine:

• Chicken Versatility: The recipe calls for cooked chicken. This is a fantastic opportunity to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or even poached chicken. For a richer flavor, consider using dark meat chicken, as it tends to be more moist and flavorful.
• Pasta Power: The type of pasta you use can subtly alter the texture. While any elbow macaroni or similar shape will work wonderfully, consider using a pasta with ridges or nooks, like rotini or penne, as these shapes tend to hold onto the creamy sauce even better. Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to adapt the vegetables to your liking or what you have on hand. Frozen peas, corn, or even a handful of spinach wilted into the sauce can be delicious additions.
• Cheese it Up: If you’re a big cheese lover, don’t be afraid to add a little extra Parmesan to the mixture before baking. A touch of shredded cheddar or Gruyère mixed in could also offer a delightful twist.
• Cream Cheese Softening: To ensure the cream cheese melts smoothly without lumps, make sure it’s at room temperature or slightly softened before cubing and adding it to the skillet.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli. Serve it warm, directly from the oven, allowing the aroma of the melted Parmesan to entice your diners.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, a quick trip to the microwave or oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until heated through will do the trick. You might find you need to add a splash of milk when reheating to restore some of the original creaminess, as pasta can absorb liquid.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving. Please note these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	463.3 kcal
Calories from Fat		174 g
Total Fat	19.4 g	29%
Saturated Fat	10.8 g	53%
Cholesterol	60.4 mg	20%
Sodium	304.2 mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	55.3 g	18%
Dietary Fiber	2.9 g	11%
Sugars	4.8 g	19%
Protein	16.7 g	33%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, there’s always room for creativity in the kitchen!

• For a Lighter Version: You can experiment with using a lower-fat cream cheese and a skim milk. The creaminess might be slightly less intense, but it will still be delicious.
• Vegetarian Delight: Omit the chicken and bulk up the vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, broccoli florets, or a can of drained chickpeas can serve as a hearty vegetarian substitute.
• Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic salt can provide a subtle kick.
• Herbaceous Notes: Fresh parsley or chives chopped and stirred in at the end, or sprinkled as a garnish, can add a burst of freshness.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Q: What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
A: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but any short-cut pasta like rotini, penne, or shells will work well and hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

Q: My sauce seems a bit thick. How can I thin it out?
A: If your sauce becomes too thick while cooking, you can gradually whisk in a little more milk (a tablespoon at a time) until you reach your desired consistency.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While Parmesan is recommended for its nutty flavor, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses would also be delicious.

Q: Is this dish suitable for freezing?
A: This casserole can be frozen, though the texture of the pasta might become slightly softer upon thawing and reheating. It’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Kraft Creamy Chicken and Pasta Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a moment of simple joy and comfort in your kitchen. It’s a dish that proves that deliciousness doesn’t need to be complicated, and that sometimes, the most satisfying meals are the ones that feel like coming home. I encourage you to give it a try, to taste the familiar, comforting flavors, and perhaps, to create your own cherished memories around this delightful dish. Serve it with pride, share it with loved ones, and savor every creamy, cheesy bite.