Craving a comforting and delicious meal that’s both quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than this creamy chicken rotini stovetop casserole! This recipe takes all the familiar flavors of a baked casserole but brings it to the stovetop for a fraction of the cooking time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
This recipe offers a delightful combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, a creamy and flavorful sauce, and a satisfying, cheesy topping. The beauty of this stovetop casserole is its versatility. You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to swap out the chicken for ground turkey or sausage, use different vegetables, or experiment with various cheeses.
**Why You’ll Love This Stovetop Casserole**
* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Minimizes cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** A creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** Easily adapted to your favorite flavors and dietary restrictions.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses readily available and affordable ingredients.
**Ingredients You’ll Need**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (such as Rotel), undrained
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 8 ounces rotini pasta
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, or your favorite cheese blend
* Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
**Equipment**
* Large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Wooden spoon or spatula
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
Let’s dive into the detailed instructions to make this incredibly easy and delicious stovetop chicken rotini casserole:
**1. Prepare the Chicken:**
* Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a cutting board.
* Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes.
* This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to eat in the casserole.
**2. Sauté the Aromatics:**
* Place your large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the olive oil to the skillet and let it heat up for a few seconds.
* Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
**3. Cook the Chicken:**
* Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet with the onions and garlic.
* Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
* Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
**4. Add the Sauce Ingredients:**
* Pour in the condensed cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), chicken broth, and milk into the skillet with the cooked chicken.
* Stir well to combine all the ingredients and ensure that the condensed soup is evenly distributed.
* Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir again to incorporate the seasonings.
**5. Cook the Pasta:**
* Add the rotini pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken mixture.
* Stir well to ensure that the pasta is submerged in the sauce. You may need to add a little more chicken broth or water if the sauce is too thick.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
**6. Add the Cheese:**
* Remove the lid from the skillet.
* Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your cheese blend of choice) evenly over the top of the pasta and chicken mixture.
* Cover the skillet again and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
**7. Garnish and Serve:**
* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* If desired, garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
* Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
* Serve hot and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations**
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this casserole. Some great options include:
* Frozen peas and carrots (add them with the pasta)
* Chopped bell peppers (sauté them with the onions)
* Sliced mushrooms (sauté them with the onions)
* Spinach (add it in the last few minutes of cooking until wilted)
* Broccoli florets (add them with the pasta)
* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
* **Use Different Protein:** Swap the chicken for ground turkey, ground beef, Italian sausage, or even leftover cooked ham.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
* **Creamier Sauce:** For an even creamier sauce, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free rotini pasta and ensure that your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
* **Use Different Pasta:** While rotini is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with other short pasta shapes like penne, elbow macaroni, or shells.
* **Make it a Baked Casserole:** If you prefer a baked casserole, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish after cooking the pasta. Top with cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Add a Crunchy Topping:** For added texture, top the casserole with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a little extra broth before cooking to compensate for the pasta absorbing moisture.
**Serving Suggestions**
This creamy chicken rotini stovetop casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side dish to round out the meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with your favorite dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
* **Garlic Bread:** Warm and crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make a healthy and colorful addition.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.
* **Fruit Salad:** A refreshing fruit salad is a light and sweet ending to the meal.
**Storage Instructions**
* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the casserole in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a little broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezer:** While this casserole can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
**Nutritional Information (approximate)**
* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
**Conclusion**
This creamy chicken rotini stovetop casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity, speed, and deliciousness make it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal. The customizable nature of this recipe allows you to adapt it to your family’s preferences, ensuring that everyone will enjoy it. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of this amazing stovetop casserole!
**Enjoy!**