Gluten Free Chicken Noodle Casserole

Gluten Free Chicken Noodle Casserole is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Drake Eats on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 52 min | Total: 1 hr 27 min

Cost: $13.16 total, $2.19 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2.5 cups Gluten-Free Rotini Pasta (Bonzoni brand, gluten‑free)
  • 1 stick Unsalted Butter (Melted)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Extra virgin)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Kosher or table salt)
  • 0.5 medium Medium Onion (Finely chopped)
  • 0.5 medium Green Bell Pepper (Finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Celery (Finely chopped; optional but recommended)
  • 1 pound Cooked Chicken (Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins, boiled and chopped)
  • 2 cups Whole Milk (Full‑fat for richness)
  • 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (Gluten‑free brand Pacific, 10.5 oz)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Salt (Optional)
  • to taste to taste Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Tillamook brand, thick shreds)
  • 1 tablespoon Gluten‑Free All‑Purpose Flour (For thickening the sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, then add the gluten‑free rotini. Cook until al dente, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 100°C

  2. Sauté the Vegetables

    While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Make a Gluten‑Free Roux

    Sprinkle 1 tablespoon gluten‑free flour over the melted butter and vegetables. Stir continuously for 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color and no raw flour taste remains.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Add Milk and Simmer

    Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk, stirring to combine with the roux. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Incorporate Soup, Cheese and Seasonings

    Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt, pepper to taste, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is uniform.

    Time: PT4M

  6. Add Cooked Chicken

    Fold the chopped cooked chicken into the sauce, mixing until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Combine Pasta, Sauce and Veggies

    Drain the cooked rotini and return it to the pot. Add the sauce‑chicken mixture and the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Transfer to Baking Dish

    Grease a 9x13‑inch baking dish with a little butter or oil. Spoon the casserole into the dish and spread it into an even layer.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Bake the Casserole

    Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake uncovered for 35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.

    Time: PT35M

    Temperature: 350°F

  10. Garnish and Serve

    Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, let stand 2 minutes, then serve hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Contains Dairy, High Protein, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Milk, Cheese, Butter, Gluten (if cross‑contamination occurs)

Last updated: April 12, 2026

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Gluten Free Chicken Noodle Casserole

Recipe by Drake Eats

A hearty, one‑dish gluten‑free casserole packed with tender chicken, rotini pasta, veggies, creamy mushroom sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

MediumAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
11m
Prep
1h
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 21m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.16
Total cost
$2.19
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cook the Pasta
  • Sauté the Vegetables
  • Make a Gluten‑Free Roux
  • Combine Pasta, Sauce and Veggies
  • Bake the Casserole

Safety Warnings

  • Boiling water and hot pasta can cause severe burns; handle with care.
  • The skillet and oven are hot; use oven mitts.
  • Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Noodle Casserole in American comfort food cuisine?

A

Chicken noodle casserole is a classic American comfort dish that grew out of mid‑20th‑century convenience cooking, combining pantry staples like noodles, canned soup and cheese into a family‑friendly one‑pot meal. It became especially popular in the 1960s and 1970s as a quick, hearty dinner for busy households.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Noodle Casserole in United States cuisine?

A

In the Midwest, the casserole often includes corn and a crunchy topping of crushed crackers. In the South, it may feature a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese and a hint of hot sauce. The West Coast version sometimes swaps regular pasta for gluten‑free or whole‑grain varieties and adds fresh herbs like cilantro.

cultural
Q

How is Chicken Noodle Casserole traditionally served in American family meals?

A

Traditionally the casserole is served hot straight from the oven, often accompanied by a simple green salad or a side of baked potatoes. It is a staple at potlucks, family gatherings, and casual weeknight dinners because it feeds a crowd with minimal effort.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Noodle Casserole traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

The dish is popular at holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving leftovers, Christmas Eve dinners, and Fourth of July picnics. Its ease of preparation makes it a go‑to for church potlucks, school events, and game‑day parties.

cultural
Q

How does Chicken Noodle Casserole fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?

A

It embodies the American comfort food ethos of using inexpensive, shelf‑stable ingredients to create a filling, creamy, and nostalgic meal. The casserole’s combination of protein, carbs, and cheese reflects the classic “all‑in‑one” approach that defines many American comfort dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chicken Noodle Casserole versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The classic version uses egg noodles, canned cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and butter. Acceptable substitutes include gluten‑free rotini for the noodles, a gluten‑free cream of mushroom soup, mozzarella or a cheese blend, and olive oil in place of butter for a lighter option.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with Chicken Noodle Casserole?

A

A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots complement the richness of the casserole. For a heartier spread, serve with cornbread or garlic bread on the side.

cultural
Q

What makes this Gluten‑Free Chicken Noodle Casserole special or unique in American cuisine?

A

It adapts a beloved comfort classic to be gluten‑free without sacrificing texture, using rotini that mimics the bite of egg noodles. The addition of fresh parsley and the careful roux technique give it a homemade feel that stands out from boxed versions.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Gluten‑Free Chicken Noodle Casserole?

A

Common errors include overcooking the gluten‑free pasta, which turns gummy, and under‑seasoning the sauce. Also, skipping the roux can result in a watery casserole, and forgetting to grease the baking dish may cause the crust to stick.

technical
Q

Why does this Gluten‑Free Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe use a roux instead of simply adding more soup?

A

The roux thickens the sauce without making it overly salty, which can happen if you add extra canned soup. It also creates a smoother texture that coats the pasta evenly, especially important for gluten‑free pasta that can become gummy.

technical
Q

Can I make Gluten‑Free Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole; bake directly from frozen, adding 10‑15 minutes to the baking time.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Drake Eats specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Drake Eats specializes in family‑friendly, gluten‑free adaptations of classic comfort foods, sharing practical tips for making delicious meals that accommodate dietary restrictions.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Drake Eats' approach to gluten‑free cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Drake Eats focuses on simple ingredient swaps, real‑world cooking techniques, and transparent cost breakdowns, whereas many channels use specialty products or overly complex methods. Their style is down‑to‑earth, emphasizing meals that anyone can prepare at home.

channel

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