3 Cheap and Easy Family Dinners for Less Than $13
3 Cheap and Easy Family Dinners for Less Than $13 is a easy American recipe that serves 5. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Allrecipes on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $7.08 total, $1.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Canned Chicken Breast (drained and shredded)
- 12 oz Elbow Pasta (uncooked)
- 12 oz Frozen Mixed Vegetables (defrosted)
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz, regular or low‑fat)
- 1 cup Milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated, for topping)
- 2 tbsp Butter (melted, for topping)
- 1/2 cup Italian Breadcrumbs (optional, for crunchy topping)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8‑9 minutes. Drain in a colander and set aside.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: boiling
Prepare the Sauce
In the same pot, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir over medium heat until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked pasta, shredded canned chicken, and frozen mixed vegetables to the sauce. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT4M
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13" baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
Time: PT2M
Add Toppings
Sprinkle shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, Italian breadcrumbs, and drizzle the melted butter over the top.
Time: PT2M
Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake at 375°F until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling, about 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 375°F
Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 40g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Canned Chicken Breast: cooked chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken
- Instead of Elbow Pasta: any short pasta
- Instead of Frozen Mixed Vegetables: fresh carrots, peas, corn
- Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup: homemade roux with broth and milk
- Instead of Milk: half‑and‑half, plant‑based milk
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Mozzarella
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Butter: margarine, olive oil
- Instead of Italian Breadcrumbs: crushed crackers, panko
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13" Baking Dish
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook the pasta al dente
- Make sure the sauce does not boil
- Bake until bubbly and golden
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra richness, replace half of the milk with half‑and‑half or a splash of heavy cream.
- Add a pinch of dried thyme or garlic powder to the sauce for deeper flavor.
Troubleshooting
Casserole is watery after baking
Increase baking time by 5‑10 minutes or add a little more breadcrumbs to absorb excess liquid.
Pasta is overcooked and mushy
Cook pasta al dente (1‑2 minutes less than package directions) as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; reheat covered.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to step 5, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day.
- The casserole freezes well; bake from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Noodle Casserole in American comfort food cuisine?
Chicken noodle casserole is a classic American comfort dish that emerged in the mid‑20th century as a way to stretch inexpensive pantry staples like canned soup, pasta, and chicken into a filling family meal. It reflects the post‑war era’s focus on convenience and frugality, making it a nostalgic staple at family gatherings and potlucks.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Noodle Casserole in the United States?
In the South, the casserole often includes a crunchy topping of crushed crackers or cornflakes and may feature a touch of hot sauce. In the Midwest, it’s common to add sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess, while West Coast versions might incorporate fresh herbs like dill or cilantro.
How is Chicken Noodle Casserole traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot straight from the oven, often accompanied by a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Some families like to garnish the top with fresh parsley or extra grated cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Noodle Casserole traditionally associated with in American culture?
The dish is popular for casual family dinners, potluck gatherings, and budget‑friendly holiday meals such as Thanksgiving leftovers or Christmas Eve when feeding a crowd on a budget is essential.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Chicken Noodle Casserole versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include canned chicken, elbow pasta, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, and a buttery breadcrumb topping. Acceptable substitutes are fresh cooked chicken, any short pasta shape, fresh or canned vegetables, homemade cream sauce, and crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
What other American dishes pair well with Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Pairs nicely with a crisp garden salad, garlic bread, or roasted green beans. For a heartier meal, serve alongside baked sweet potatoes or a side of coleslaw.
What makes Chicken Noodle Casserole special or unique in American comfort cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the combination of pantry‑ready ingredients that create a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying one‑dish meal, embodying the American ethos of convenience, affordability, and comfort.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Common mistakes include overcooking the pasta, which leads to a mushy texture, and using too much liquid in the sauce, resulting in a watery casserole. Also, neglecting to brown the topping can leave it soggy.
Why does this Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe use canned cream of chicken soup instead of a homemade roux?
The canned soup provides a quick, consistent thickening agent that keeps the recipe budget‑friendly and reduces prep time, while still delivering the creamy texture expected in a comfort casserole.
Can I make Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the topping stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole; bake from frozen, adding 10‑15 minutes to the baking time.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Chicken Noodle Casserole is done cooking?
The casserole should be bubbling around the edges, with the topping golden‑brown and crisp. The interior should be creamy but set enough that a slice holds together when served.
What does the YouTube channel Allrecipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Allrecipes specializes in accessible, home‑cooked recipes that focus on everyday ingredients, budget‑friendly meals, and step‑by‑step video tutorials for cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Allrecipes' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Allrecipes emphasizes practical, cost‑effective cooking with a strong focus on pantry staples and quick preparation, whereas many other channels may prioritize gourmet techniques or exotic ingredients.
Last updated: August 8, 2026
