Chicken Noodle Casserole

Instructions

1. 01

   Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 2 tablespoons salt, then the pasta and cook to al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2. 02

   Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. 03

   Add the flour, pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt – whisk together well, making sure everything’s fully incorporated with the butter.

4. 04

   Pour the milk into the saucepan all at once, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, until the mixture thickens – about 5 minutes.

5. 05

   Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the cheese, and whisk until smooth.

6. 06

   Add the pasta, chicken and peas to the sauce, and fold together to combine. Pour into a 2-quart baking dish, sprinkle with fried onions and bake for 20 minutes, or until it starts to bubble around the edges.