Description
This Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make meal featuring tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese in a rich sauce. Perfect for cozy nights, it delivers layers of flavorful textures and a warm, inviting taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Noodles
- 2 cups diced skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Sauce Components
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
Instructions
- Cook the noodles and turkey bacon: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. In a separate pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the chicken and vegetables: In the same pan, sauté diced onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add diced chicken breast and cook thoroughly until no longer pink. Toss in sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture.
- Make the creamy sauce: Mix plant-based milk, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and natural gelling agent in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the pan with chicken and vegetables, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Fold in shredded plant-based cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine everything and bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, smoked turkey bacon pieces, creamy chicken mixture, and chopped fresh parsley. Transfer to a greased casserole dish, spread evenly, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Cook noodles al dente to prevent mushiness when baked.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley to keep flavors bright and fresh.
- Do not skip crisp smoked turkey bacon for essential texture contrast.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set properly.
- Customize the cheese blend by mixing different plant-based cheeses for richer flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, comfort food, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy casserole
