Old-Fashioned Creamy Chicken Macaroni Casserole

A vintage recipe card favorite that's just as comforting today as it was years ago.

Some of the writing on this old recipe card had faded over the years, making a few of the ingredient amounts difficult to read.  This is one of the reasons I started this recipe blog. I want to help preserve the old recipes that have been passed down through generations of home cooks before they are lost to time.

I'm not sure where this recipe originally came from since the recipe card wasn't labeled. My mom often made a similar casserole using tuna instead of chicken, so it's possible this recipe was adapted from one of her favorite tuna casseroles.

Either way, it's a simple, creamy comfort food recipe that's easy to prepare with everyday pantry ingredients.

Ingredients:

3/4 c. elbow macaroni 
3 T. butter
3 T. flour
1 pkg. cream cheese
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 c. milk
1 c. chicken broth or 1 boullion cube in 1 c. water
Salt and pepper to taste
2 c. cooked diced chicken
1/2 to 1 c. buttered bread crumbs

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a cast iron Dutch oven or large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, or until softened.

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth.

Add the softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in the cooked chicken and drained macaroni until evenly coated with the sauce.

We left the mixture in the skilled or Dutch oven, but you can also spoon the mixture into a butter or greased 2-quart casserole dish.

Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the top.

Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the bread crumbs are lightly golden.

Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Best Success:

• Cook the macaroni just until al dente. It will continue cooking while the casserole bakes.
• Soften the cream cheese before adding it to the sauce so it melts smoothly.
• Cook the flour for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste before adding the liquids.
• Whisk constantly as you add the milk and broth to prevent lumps.
• Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, so every serving has plenty of chicken.
• Season at the end. If using bouillon, taste first before adding additional salt.
• For extra crispy bread crumbs, drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons melted butter over the topping before baking.

Variations and Substitutions:

Replace the cooked chicken with 2 (5-ounce) cans of tuna, drained. 

Try adding more vegetables:

• Frozen peas
• Diced carrots
• Sliced mushrooms
• Chopped celery
• Broccoli florets

Stir in cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• Monterey Jack
• Swiss cheese
• Parmesan on top with the bread crumbs

Use different pasta:

• Shells
• Rotini
• Small penne
• Bow ties

Instead of bread crumbs, use:

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Panko bread crumbs
• Crushed corn flakes
• Buttered stuffing mix

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this comforting casserole with:

• Garden salad
• Steamed green beans
• Buttered peas
• Roasted broccoli
• Homemade dinner rolls
• Garlic bread
• Fresh fruit
• Sliced tomatoes
• Coleslaw

How to Store:

• Store covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings. Add a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works perfectly.

Can I substitute tuna?
Absolutely. Two cans of drained tuna make a delicious variation.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

What cream cheese should I use?
Regular full-fat cream cheese provides the richest flavor and creamiest sauce.

Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking for up to two months.

Why is my sauce too thick?
Simply stir in a little extra milk before serving until it reaches your preferred consistency.