Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWhile flipping through my favorite cookbooks, I stumbled upon a recipe that transported me straight to Tennessee, where Dolly Parton’s charm seems to infuse every gathering with warmth. Her Hearty 5-Ingredient Casserole is a delightful embodiment of Southern hospitality—easy to prepare yet full of heart. This crowd-pleasing comfort food requires just five simple ingredients, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknight dinners or family potlucks. Not only is it customizable with proteins and veggies, but it’s also budget-friendly, ensuring you can feed your loved ones without breaking the bank. As the dish bubbles to golden perfection in the oven, it fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma hard to resist. Ready to discover how to bring a touch of Dolly’s magic into your home? Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe! Why is this casserole a must-try? Simplicity, With just five ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that doesn’t require expert cooking skills. Customization allows you to switch in your favorite proteins and veggies, making it versatile for any palate. Budget-friendly, this casserole will fill bellies without draining your wallet. Crowd-pleaser, it’s perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, sure to impress guests. Aromatic Comfort, as it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible scent of cheesy goodness. Dive into this culinary gem from Dolly Parton—you won’t regret it! Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole Ingredients • Here’s everything you need to create this comforting dish! For the Casserole Base Egg Noodles – Provides structure and texture; cooking them al dente is key for a perfect bite. Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds creamy flavor; feel free to substitute with cream of mushroom for a twist. Sour Cream – Brings tangy richness; full-fat is best for achieving that luscious consistency. For the Topping Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Offers bold, cheesy flavor; grate your own for the ultimate melt, or swap with mozzarella for a different taste. For the Protein Rotisserie Chicken (or cooked chicken) – Adds heartiness; for a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and load up on sautéed veggies instead. Feel the warmth of Dolly’s Southern hospitality with this delightful casserole—it’s a true comfort food favorite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Dolly Parton’s Hearty 5-Ingredient Casserole Step 1: Prepare Noodles Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the wide egg noodles and cook them for about 6 minutes until they are al dente. To achieve the perfect texture, make sure to stir occasionally. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and set them aside to cool slightly. Step 2: Mix Base In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Using a whisk, blend the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This base will be the heart of your Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole, providing rich flavor and consistency. Step 3: Combine Ingredients Gently fold the cooked egg noodles and shredded rotisserie chicken into the creamy mixture you prepared. Use a spatula to ensure that everything is evenly coated and blended together without breaking the noodles. This step enhances the flavor and ensures every bite contains the spirit of Dolly’s wholesome casserole. Step 4: Assemble Casserole Take a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the noodle mixture evenly across the bottom. Use the spatula to create an even layer, ensuring there are no gaps. This will ensure that every scoop serves up a hearty portion, capturing the magic of Dolly Parton’s Hearty 5-Ingredient Casserole. Step 5: Top with Cheese Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously over the assembled casserole. This layer of cheese will create a deliciously gooey and golden-brown topping as it bakes. Make sure to cover the entire surface for that extra cheesy goodness everyone loves from a comforting casserole. Step 6: Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prep the casserole. Once it’s ready, place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly, golden, and slightly crispy. The aroma coming from the oven will be absolutely irresistible. Step 7: Serve After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This brief resting time allows the flavors to settle. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Now your family can dive into the comforting delight of Dolly Parton’s Hearty 5-Ingredient Casserole! Dolly Parton Casserole Variations Feel free to get creative and customize this delicious casserole to suit your family’s tastes! Vegetarian Delight: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a lightened version. Creamy Mushroom: Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for an earthier taste. This variation is perfect for mushroom lovers! Zesty Twist: Spice things up by incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. The result is a delightful kick that livens up each bite. Different Cheeses: Instead of cheddar, try Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a mix of your favorite cheeses for an irresistible flavor combination. Protein Swaps: Switch out the rotisserie chicken with ground beef, turkey, or pork for a heartier casserole. It adds a whole new dimension to this beloved dish. Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil. This twist brightens the flavors and gives a fresh burst of aroma with every bite. Vegetable Medley: Toss in frozen peas, corn, or broccoli right before baking. Not only do they add color, but they also amp up the nutrition. For a veggie-packed meal, try our easy roasted vegetables as a perfect side. Crunchy Topping: For an added texture, top your casserole with a mixture of crushed crackers and melted butter before baking. It’s a delightful way to get that perfect crunch! Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, feel free to mix and match these suggestions, and make this casserole your own! Make Ahead Options These Dolly Parton’s Hearty 5-Ingredient Casserole are perfect for meal prep, making weeknight cooking a breeze! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the noodle mixture and layer it in a greased baking dish, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For optimal texture, wait to add the final layer of shredded cheese until just before baking. When you’re ready to serve, remove the casserole from the refrigerator, top it with cheese, and bake in a preheated oven, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if it’s directly from the fridge. This ensures it stays just as delicious and comforting as when freshly made! How to Store and Freeze Dolly Parton’s Casserole Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain flavor and texture. Reheat in the oven for best results, ensuring it’s heated through. Freezer: You can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. Reheating: To reheat refrigerated casserole, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Enjoy the comforting flavors of your Dolly Parton’s casserole again! Assemble Ahead: If preparing ahead, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it, but make sure to adjust baking time accordingly if it’s cold from the fridge. What to Serve with Dolly Parton’s Hearty 5-Ingredient Casserole? Treat yourself to a well-rounded meal by pairing this delightful casserole with side dishes that elevate the heartiness of your plate. Crisp Green Salad: Fresh greens tossed in a tangy vinaigrette add a crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole. Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery loaf complements the casserole’s richness while being perfect for sopping up every cheesy morsel. Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies bring a pop of flavor and nutrition, beautifully balancing the dish’s comforting aspects. Cornbread Muffins: Soft and slightly sweet, cornbread is a classic Southern complement that pairs perfectly with this hearty casserole. Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy freshness of coleslaw offers a delightful contrast, adding lightness to your meal. Sweet Tea: This classic Southern drink provides a refreshing sweetness, making each bite of casserole feel like a warm hug. Apple Pie: For dessert, nothing beats the classic combo of comfort food and a slice of warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Expert Tips for Dolly Parton’s Casserole Seasoning Matters: Lightly season the cooked noodles with salt and pepper to elevate the overall flavor of the casserole. Crispy Topping: For an extra crunch, consider sprinkling crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking. Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Avoid Dryness: Don’t overcook the noodles; they should be al dente. Maintain the right ratio of creamy ingredients to keep your casserole moist. Add Nutrition: Feel free to mix in frozen peas, corn, or sautéed veggies to boost nutrition without compromising the comforting essence of the dish. Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right egg noodles? Absolutely! When selecting egg noodles, opt for wide egg noodles, as they provide the best structure and texture for a casserole. Make sure they are firm yet tender when cooked; this usually means boiling them for about 6 minutes until al dente, as they will continue to cook while baking. What is the best way to store leftovers? Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can last up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend covering your casserole with foil and baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain its creamy texture! Can I freeze Dolly Parton’s casserole? Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap your unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, ensuring it’s well-sealed. It will be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and add some extra time when baking. What should I do if my casserole seems dry? Very! If your casserole comes out dry, it might be due to overcooked noodles or an imbalance in creamy ingredients. Ensure you cook the noodles just to al dente and maintain a good ratio of cream soup and sour cream. If it seems dry, you can always sprinkle a bit of chicken broth or add a bit more sour cream when mixing to keep the richness. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Absolutely! If you’re considering serving this casserole to someone with allergies, be wary of common allergens such as dairy in the sour cream and cheese. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the rotisserie chicken and increase the veggies you mix in. Also, if you have pets, be sure they don’t have access to any leftovers, as ingredients like onions in some soups can be harmful to them. Can I customize this casserole with other ingredients? The more, the merrier! Feel free to add frozen peas, corn, or broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition. You can also substitute rotisserie chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even ham. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider mixing in different herbs for an added flavor boost! Dolly Parton's Delicious 5-Ingredient Casserole for Comfort Dolly Parton's Hearty 5-Ingredient Casserole is a comforting dish that embodies Southern hospitality, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: CasserolesCuisine: SouthernCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole Base8 oz Egg Noodles Cooked al dente.10.5 oz Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute with cream of mushroom if desired.1 cup Sour Cream Full-fat is best.For the Topping2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Grated for the best melt.For the Protein2 cups Rotisserie Chicken Cooked and shredded. Equipment Large potMixing bowlSpatulaBaking Dish Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the wide egg noodles and cook for about 6 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk until smooth.Gently fold the cooked egg noodles and shredded rotisserie chicken into the creamy mixture until evenly coated.Spread the noodle mixture evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg NotesFeel free to customize the casserole with different proteins or vegetables. Ideal for potlucks and family gatherings. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
