Discover 3 delicious chicken and elbow noodle recipes — creamy stovetop, baked casserole, and one-pot cheesy pasta. Simple, hearty, and family-friendly dinners.
Introduction: Chicken and Elbow Noodle Recipes
Few dishes comfort the soul like chicken and elbow noodle recipes. With tender chicken, creamy sauces, and perfectly shaped elbow noodles, these meals deliver both nostalgia and satisfaction in every bite.
Whether you’re craving a quick one-pot dinner, a bubbly baked casserole, or a creamy stovetop pasta, each version proves how simple ingredients can create big flavors.
The best part about chicken and elbow macaroni recipes is their versatility — they adapt to whatever you have on hand, from leftover chicken to pantry pasta.
They’re budget-friendly, easy to make, and always crowd-pleasing. Let’s dive into three irresistible variations you’ll want to make again and again.
1. Classic Creamy Chicken & Elbow Macaroni
Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed) | 2 cups |
| Elbow macaroni | 2 cups |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a skillet, whisk in flour to form a smooth roux.
- Add milk and chicken broth gradually, stirring until thickened.
- Mix in cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fold in chicken and macaroni, coating them well in the sauce.
- Simmer 3–4 minutes until creamy and heated through.
Why it works: The buttery roux and melted cheese create a rich, velvety sauce that hugs every piece of pasta — pure comfort in a bowl.
2. Baked Chicken & Elbow Noodle Casserole
Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked elbow noodles | 3 cups |
| Shredded rotisserie chicken | 2 cups |
| Cream of chicken soup (10 oz) | 1 can |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Frozen peas and carrots | ½ cup |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Bread crumbs (for topping) | As needed |
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- Combine noodles, chicken, soup, sour cream, veggies, and cheese in a mixing bowl.
- Spread mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Top with bread crumbs and paprika for a golden crust.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and slightly browned on top.
Why it works: This baked chicken and elbow noodle recipe layers creamy filling with a crispy top, giving you that perfect mix of richness and crunch. It’s ideal as a make-ahead family dinner.
3. One-Pot Cheesy Chicken & Elbow Pasta
Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Boneless chicken breast (cubed) | 1 lb |
| Elbow noodles (uncooked) | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese | 1 cup |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Chili flakes | ½ tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chicken cubes, season, and cook until golden.
- Add broth and milk, then stir in uncooked elbow noodles.
- Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
Why it works: This one-pot chicken and elbow noodle recipe is a time-saving meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup — everything cooks in one pan!
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Elbow Noodle Recipes
- Cook pasta al dente — it will continue cooking in sauces or casseroles.
- Use pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie) for speed and convenience.
- Add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas for nutrition and color.
- Experiment with sauces — alfredo, ranch, or tomato bases all work beautifully.
- Top baked versions with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crispy finish.
Healthier Variations
Want a lighter take on your favorite chicken and elbow noodle recipes?
- Replace regular pasta with whole-grain or gluten-free macaroni.
- Use Greek yogurt or light sour cream instead of heavy cream.
- Choose grilled or boiled chicken for leaner protein.
- Add vegetables and herbs to reduce calories and boost nutrients.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- Freeze casseroles (before or after baking) for up to 2 months — great for meal prep.
Nutrition & Health Benefits Table
| Nutrient / Benefit | Details (Per Serving Avg) | Health Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 kcal | Balanced for a satisfying main meal |
| Protein | 35 g | Builds and repairs muscles |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g | Provides steady energy |
| Fat | 15 g | Keeps you full and enhances flavor |
| Fiber | 3 g | Aids digestion and gut health |
| Calcium | Moderate | Strengthens bones from cheese & milk |
FAQs about Chicken and Elbow Noodle Recipes
Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s a quick shortcut that adds deep, savory flavor.
Q2: What cheese melts best for these recipes?
Cheddar, Colby Jack, or mozzarella melt beautifully for creamy textures.
Q3: Can I freeze these dishes?
Absolutely! Freeze before baking or after cooling; just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Q4: What chicken cuts work best?
Boneless breast or thighs cook evenly and stay juicy.
Q5: How can I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes, pepper jack cheese, or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Conclusion
Chicken and elbow noodle recipes prove that comfort food can be simple yet satisfying. With just a few pantry staples, you can make creamy, cheesy, and hearty meals in minutes.
Whether you prefer the classic stovetop version, the crispy baked casserole, or the one-pot cheesy pasta, these dishes deliver rich flavor and comforting warmth every single time.
So, grab your skillet, boil those elbows, and create a bowl of happiness tonight!
Hi, I’m Sidra Asif, the heart behind Chicken Bites. Cooking has been my lifelong passion, sparked by the magical meals I watched my mother create in our family kitchen. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse cuisines, earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, and refined my skills in professional kitchens—learning the art of flavor pairing, presentation, and creativity.
Through Chicken Bites, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures to inspire home cooks to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. Join me on this flavorful journey where tradition meets innovation, and every dish is made with love! 🍗✨
