Name: Creamy Vegan Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz noodles; 11 oz vegan chicken, roughly cut; 1 cup peas; ½ cup carrots, diced; 4 tablespoons dairy free mayo; 1 cup oat milk; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, pressed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 dashes hot sauce; ¾ cup dairy free parmesan cheese; 5 oz vegan cheddar cheese (divided); 3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 88 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, wholesome dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Creamy Vegan Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine tender noodles drenched in a luscious, dairy-free creamy sauce, packed with savory vegan chicken, vibrant vegetables, and topped with a golden, crunchy layer that seals in all those amazing flavors. It’s an effortless, heartwarming meal perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd, showcasing just how delicious and satisfying vegan comfort food can be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several bowls and containers of ingredients arranged on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background. Starting from the top left, there is a white bowl filled with chopped orange carrots, next to a glass bowl with white creamy sauce. To the right is a white bowl filled with shredded yellow cheese. Below those, a white bowl holds chopped pale beige pieces of meat or meat substitute. To its right, a small black bowl contains white fine grains, possibly breadcrumbs. Below the small black bowl is a white bowl filled with bright green peas. Below the peas, there is a whole onion and two garlic cloves sitting on the surface. Below the onion, a large gray bowl contains cooked spaghetti noodles. To the left of the noodles, a white bowl is filled with grated pale yellow cheese, and to the far left is a bottle with a red cap which may contain some sauce or seasoning. In the bottom right corner is a small white pitcher with a light cream liquid. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the creamy mayo and oat milk that provide that luscious sauce, to the vegan chicken and crisp vegetables that bring substance and color, it’s a simple yet thoughtfully composed list that anyone can easily gather and enjoy preparing.

8 oz noodles: Choose your favorite kind — they’re the hearty base soaking up all the creamy goodness.
4 Tbs dairy free mayo: Adds richness and smooth texture without using any dairy.
1 cup oat milk: Keeps the sauce creamy and light with a subtle sweetness.
2 Tbs olive oil: Perfect for sautéeing veggies and vegan chicken to bring out their flavors.
3 cloves garlic, pressed: Provides aromatic depth and a gentle kick.
1 medium onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and a savory backbone.
3 dashes hot sauce: A little zing to brighten the richness and add personality.
¾ cup dairy free parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish to the creamy sauce.
11 oz vegan chicken, roughly cut: The star protein, tender and flavorful.
1 cup peas: Adds a pop of color and a sweet bite that balances the dish.
½ cup carrots, diced: Brings subtle earthiness and texture contrast.
5 oz vegan cheddar: Melts beautifully, enriching the casserole with savory creaminess.
3 Tbs panko breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden topping that takes the casserole to the next level.
Salt, pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and rounding out all flavors.

How to Make Creamy Vegan Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Noodles

Start by preheating your oven to 410°F to get it ready for that final bake. Cook your noodles according to the package instructions or just soak them if you prefer a lighter texture. The noodles are the backbone, so getting them just right ensures they perfectly absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Sauté the Base Ingredients

In a hot skillet, add olive oil and toss in the chopped onions, pressed garlic, vegan chicken pieces, and diced carrots. Sauté everything together for about 3 minutes until the onions soften and the chicken starts to brown slightly. Then stir in the peas and cook for just another minute so the peas stay bright and slightly crisp — this warms them through without losing their fresh pop.

Step 3: Combine Sauce and Mix-ins

Transfer the cooked noodles into a large mixing bowl. Add in the dairy-free mayo, oat milk, sautéed vegetables with vegan chicken, ¾ of the vegan cheddar, dairy-free parmesan, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Mix everything lovingly so every strand of noodle and piece of “chicken” is coated in that rich, creamy sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper, making sure the balance is just right.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Pour your mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and panko breadcrumbs over the top. This topping crisps up wonderfully in the oven, giving a delightful texture contrast that’s absolutely crave-worthy. Bake for about 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling, then get ready to serve!

How to Serve Creamy Vegan Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

A light beige rectangular baking dish filled with a layered noodle casserole. The bottom layer consists of thin light yellow spaghetti noodles mixed with small green peas and diced orange carrots, creating a colorful base. On top of this, tender light tan pieces of cooked chicken are spread evenly. The upper layer is covered with a generous amount of shredded bright orange cheese and sprinkled with fine, pale beige breadcrumbs for texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can brighten the casserole and introduce a new layer of flavor complexity. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving lifts the creamy richness and complements the hearty vegan chicken.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables can round out the meal beautifully. The freshness of a simple vinaigrette dressed salad balances the creamy richness, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or want to impress, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins. Top each portion with a little extra panko and cheese, then broil briefly for a perfectly personalized, golden crust. It’s a small touch that makes all the difference!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Creamy Vegan Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe leftovers store wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days. Keep them covered tightly to preserve moisture and flavor, and enjoy anytime you need a comforting meal without extra effort.

Freezing

If you want to save the casserole for longer, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain that fresh-baked texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat your casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain the crispy breadcrumb topping better than the microwave. If pressed for time, the microwave works but cover to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle for this casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any noodles you love or have on hand, like rotini, penne, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they stay perfectly tender.

Is there a substitute for dairy free mayo?

You could swap mayo for a thick cashew cream or use vegan yogurt for a slightly tangier sauce. Each will bring a unique but delicious twist to your creamy casserole.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Yes, you can sauté the veggies and vegan chicken in a splash of vegetable broth instead of olive oil to keep it oil-free without sacrificing flavor.

What type of vegan chicken works best?

Look for plant-based chicken strips or chunks that hold up well to cooking and have a good texture. Brands vary, so choose one you enjoy plain for the best results.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli make excellent additions. Just sauté them along with the other veggies to incorporate their flavors fully.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Creamy Vegan Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. It’s a cozy, satisfying dish that’s simple to make yet full of flavors and textures that feel special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, give this recipe a try — it’s sure to become a beloved favorite on your table.

Creamy Vegan Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need