Neiman Marcus Casserole: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Neiman Marcus Casserole: Prepare to be amazed by this dish that’s as elegant as it is easy to make! Have you ever craved a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering? This recipe is your answer.

While the exact origins of the Neiman Marcus Casserole are shrouded in a bit of mystery, legend has it that this delectable dish gained popularity after being served (or perhaps, *not* served, depending on the version of the tale you hear!) at a Neiman Marcus restaurant. The story goes that a customer loved it so much, she requested the recipe. When the restaurant allegedly charged her an exorbitant amount, she vowed to share it far and wide, leading to its widespread fame. Whether the story is true or not, the casserole has become a beloved classic.

What makes this casserole so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and flavors. The creamy, cheesy sauce blankets tender chicken and a delightful blend of other ingredients, creating a symphony of taste in every bite. People adore it because it’s incredibly satisfying, relatively simple to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your preferences. So, let’s dive into this timeless recipe and create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked chicken, diced
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Preparing the Chicken Mixture:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prepare the heart of our Neiman Marcus Casserole – the chicken mixture. This is where all the delicious flavors start to meld together, creating that creamy, savory base we all crave.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure even cooking and that golden-brown topping we’re aiming for.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked, diced chicken, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup. Make sure everything is well incorporated. You want a nice, even distribution of the soup throughout the chicken. I like to use a rubber spatula for this, as it helps scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensures nothing gets left behind.
3. Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder (if using). Now, this is where the magic happens! The mayonnaise adds richness and creaminess, the lemon juice provides a touch of brightness to cut through the richness, and the curry powder… well, the curry powder adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that elevates this casserole to a whole new level. Don’t be afraid of the curry powder! It’s not overpowering at all; it just adds a little something special. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in the chopped celery, onion, and water chestnuts. These ingredients add a wonderful textural element to the casserole. The celery and onion provide a slight crunch, while the water chestnuts offer a satisfying crispness. Make sure to distribute them evenly throughout the chicken mixture.
5. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. We’re not looking to completely melt the cheese at this stage; we just want to incorporate it into the mixture. A little bit of cheese will melt during baking, creating pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the casserole. Reserve a little cheese to sprinkle on top, if you like an extra cheesy topping.

Preparing the Ritz Cracker Topping:

Now, let’s move on to the topping! This is what gives our Neiman Marcus Casserole that irresistible crunch and buttery flavor. It’s super simple to make, but it makes a huge difference in the overall texture and taste of the dish.

1. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Make sure the crackers are evenly coated with the butter. You can crush the Ritz crackers in a food processor, or simply place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. I prefer the latter method, as it gives me a little more control over the size of the crumbs. You want them to be finely crushed, but not completely pulverized.
2. Mix well until the crackers are evenly moistened with the butter. The mixture should resemble wet sand. This buttery cracker topping is what makes this casserole so special!

Assembling and Baking the Casserole:

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! Now it’s time to assemble our casserole and get it into the oven. This is the easiest part, so just follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying a warm, comforting Neiman Marcus Casserole in no time.

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom of the dish and make it easier to serve. You can use cooking spray, butter, or even a little bit of oil to grease the dish.
2. Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that it fills the entire dish.
3. Sprinkle the Ritz cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the casserole with the cracker topping. This will ensure that every bite has that satisfying crunch.
4. If desired, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese over the Ritz cracker topping. This is optional, but I highly recommend it if you’re a cheese lover like me!
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to make sure the topping doesn’t burn. If it starts to get too brown, you can tent the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
6. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set up a bit and make it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions:

This Neiman Marcus Casserole is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or even a simple green bean casserole. It’s the perfect dish for a potluck, a family gathering, or even a weeknight dinner. And the best part? It’s so easy to make! You can even prepare it ahead of time and bake it later. Just assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the refrigerator.

Tips and Variations:

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut. This will save you time and effort, and it’s just as delicious as cooking your own chicken.
• Add other vegetables to the chicken mixture. Some popular additions include peas, carrots, and green beans.
• Substitute different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack would be delicious in this casserole.
• Use different types of crackers for the topping. Saltines, graham crackers, or even potato chips would work well.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a little bit of heat.
• Top with French Fried Onions during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra crunch.

Enjoy your homemade Neiman Marcus Casserole! I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s a classic recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe is truly a must-try for anyone craving a comforting, flavorful, and relatively quick meal. I know, I know, there are a million Alfredo recipes out there, but trust me, the little tweaks and techniques I’ve shared make all the difference. From the perfectly seared chicken to the luxuriously creamy sauce, every element is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of dish that will impress your family, wow your friends, and leave you feeling completely satisfied.

But why is it really a must-try? Because it’s more than just a pasta dish; it’s an experience. It’s the warm, comforting feeling you get from a home-cooked meal. It’s the joy of seeing your loved ones’ faces light up as they take their first bite. It’s the satisfaction of creating something delicious with your own two hands. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good plate of creamy, cheesy pasta?

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how you can make this Chicken Alfredo Pasta your own! While it’s absolutely delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even substitute some of the cream with chicken broth. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach to the sauce for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick of heat.

As for serving suggestions, this pasta is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for dipping in the extra sauce. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a more complete meal. And if you happen to have any leftover chicken, it’s delicious cold in a sandwich or salad the next day!

Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors. For a more intense garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the sauce. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of searing it yourself. Just be sure to warm it through before adding it to the pasta.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of pasta too! While fettuccine is the classic choice, linguine, spaghetti, or even penne would work beautifully. The key is to choose a pasta shape that can hold onto the sauce well.

I truly believe that this Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe is a winner, and I’m so excited for you to try it. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And finally, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? Did you serve it with anything special? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!