Some suppers earn a regular place in the kitchen simply because they make life easier, and this warm summer night bake is one of those dependable dishes. With just four ingredients, it comes together in the old-fashioned casserole style so many Midwestern home cooks know by heart: hearty, filling, and made to be assembled ahead when the day is busy and the evening calls for something comforting without a lot of standing over the stove.
This bake is mighty good with a simple green salad, buttered green beans, sliced tomatoes, or sweet corn on the cob if you want to keep that summer supper feeling. A piece of garlic bread or warm rolls on the side will help catch every bit of the creamy, cheesy sauce, and a glass of iced tea makes it feel like an easy family meal worth lingering over.
4-Ingredient Warm Summer Night Bake
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound dried egg noodles
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cans (10.5 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch glass casserole dish.
2. Cook the egg noodles in salted boiling water until just tender, then drain well.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, both cans of cream of chicken soup, and 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese until evenly combined.
4. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until hot and bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
Use rotisserie chicken: This is one of the handiest shortcuts of all. If you have a store-bought rotisserie chicken on hand, simply pull the meat and use it here for a fast supper with plenty of flavor.
Try a different cheese: Mozzarella gives a soft, creamy melt, but Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar works nicely too. If you use cheddar, expect a sharper flavor and a deeper golden top.
Assemble ahead: You can put the whole casserole together earlier in the day, cover it, and refrigerate until supper time. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold from the refrigerator.
Add a little seasoning if you like: Even though this keeps to the simple four-ingredient spirit, a pinch of black pepper, onion powder, or dried parsley can be added if you want to dress it up without making more work for yourself.
Don’t overbake: Once the edges are bubbling and the cheese has melted into a nice top layer, it is ready. Too much time in the oven can dry the noodles, so keep an eye on it near the end.