Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken

This Creamy Chicken Casserole is a tender, cheesy dish with a rich, creamy sauce made from sour cream and milk, giving it a velvety texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups cooked pasta (about 2 cups uncooked); penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni work well
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, Swiss, or a mix), with 1/2 cup reserved for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in butter until softened. Add the flour, stir, and cook for about 1 minute.
2. Slowly whisk in the milk and sour cream, cooking until the mixture thickens. Stir in the cheese until melted.
3. Add the chicken, pasta, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Toss everything together and transfer it to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Enjoy this creamy, comforting casserole perfect for weeknight dinners!