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Homemade chicken nugget casserole recipe baked with melted cheese and crispy nuggets on a white marble counter, captured from above in a cozy family kitchen.”

Chicken Nugget Casserole Recipe

A creamy, cheesy Chicken Nugget Casserole that’s ready in just 30 minutes — perfect for busy families! Crispy nuggets, tender pasta, and melty cheese combine in one comforting dish everyone will love.
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Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Family-Friendly
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 520kcal
Cost: $12

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish Glass or ceramic; evenly distributes heat
  • 1 Large mixing bowl 4-quart size ideal for combining ingredients
  • 1 Whisk For smooth sauce mixing
  • 1 Box grater Use medium holes for perfect cheese texture
  • 1 Colander For draining pasta
  • 1 Aluminum foil Prevents cheese from burning while baking
  • 1 Oven mitts Protects hands when handling hot casserole

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 20–24 pieces Frozen chicken nuggets About 1.5 pounds; no need to thaw
  • 2 cups Cooked pasta Penne or rotini work best
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup Adds creamy texture
  • 1 cup Sour cream Adds tang and richness
  • 0.5 cup Milk Adjust for sauce consistency
  • 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese Divided; sharp cheddar preferred
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese For gooey, stretchy texture
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese Optional; adds nutty flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Enhances overall flavor
  • 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder Adds savory depth
  • 0.5 teaspoon Paprika Adds color and mild smokiness
  • Salt and pepper To taste
  • 2 tablespoon Butter For greasing pan and brushing nuggets
  • 1 cup Frozen mixed vegetables Optional; for added nutrition
  • 1 cup Tater tots Optional; for a crispy topping variation
  • 0.5 cup Bacon bits Optional; adds smoky crunch
  • Fresh parsley Optional; garnish for color

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9x13 baking dish.
  • Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package directions; drain well.
  • In a bowl, whisk together soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings.
  • Stir in cheddar and mozzarella, then fold in pasta.
  • Spread pasta mixture in dish; top with veggies if using.
  • Arrange chicken nuggets on top and sprinkle with cheeses.
  • Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes; uncover and bake another 15–20 until golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 300g | Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 880mg | Potassium: 420mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 620IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 290mg | Iron: 1.9mg