As a sports mom, you’re always on the go, shuttling your young athletes to practices and games. On those hectic evenings, you need a family dinner recipe that’s quick, affordable, and satisfying. Look no further! In this blog post, I’ll share a super simple and budget-friendly casserole recipe that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s a delicious solution to keep your family fed and happy without breaking the bank.
Ingredients:
2 cups of cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
2 cups of cooked pasta (any type you have on hand)
1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup of sour cream
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray (for greasing the casserole dish)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside. You can use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken for added convenience. Also, make sure your pasta is cooked and ready to go.
Mix the Sauces: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the condensed cream of chicken soup. Stir in the sour cream until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.
Add the Veggies: Toss in the frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables) into the creamy mixture. These will add a burst of color and nutrition to your casserole.
Season to Taste: Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your family’s preference.
Layer the Casserole: Take a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish (you can use cooking spray for greasing) and begin layering. Start with half of the cooked pasta at the bottom of the dish. Follow with half of the diced chicken.
Add the Creamy Mixture: Pour half of the creamy soup and veggie mixture over the chicken and pasta layers. Spread it evenly to cover everything.
Repeat the Layers: Now, add the remaining pasta and chicken layers. Top it off with the remaining creamy mixture, ensuring all the ingredients are well-covered.
Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt into a golden, gooey crust while baking.
Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is beautifully melted and lightly browned.
Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then serve it up to your hungry athletes. It’s ready to enjoy!
Serving Suggestion:
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
Customize by adding your family’s favorite ingredients like mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or crispy bacon bits.
When you’re a sports mom with a busy schedule, this easy and budget-friendly casserole dinner recipe becomes your secret weapon. It’s a satisfying and comforting meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or a hefty grocery bill. Plus, it’s a family favorite that everyone will adore. So, whether it’s a post-game dinner or a regular weeknight meal, this recipe will keep your family fueled and happy without breaking the bank. Enjoy the smiles around the dinner table!
