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Easy Summer Church Potluck Casserole Recipe Perfect for a Crowd

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A simple, crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for summer church potlucks, combining creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures with fresh veggies and a tangy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cooked rotini or elbow macaroni (about 8 oz / 225 g dry)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (Ritz or similar)
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of rotini or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (usually 7-9 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Combine the casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, 2 cups cooked chicken, 1 cup thawed peas, 1 cup diced celery, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over and gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the pasta.
  4. Transfer to baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly into your 9×13 inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  5. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup crushed buttery crackers, 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
  7. Cool and serve: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse after cooking to stop cooking process. Use quality shredded cheese for better melting. Ensure chicken is well-drained to avoid watery casserole. Fold gently to keep pasta intact. Melted butter in topping is key for crispy crust. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated overnight; add 5-10 minutes to baking time if chilled. Leftovers reheat well in oven to keep topping crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer casserole, church potluck, easy casserole, crowd-pleaser, creamy casserole, cheesy casserole, rotini casserole, chicken casserole

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/easy-summer-church-potluck-casserole-recipe-perfect-for-a-crowd/