Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake

Talk about a potluck pleaser! This comforting, creamy casserole is bursting with tender chunks of chicken. Even the pickiest eater will gobble up this tasty bake Prep: 25 min. Bake: 40 min. + standing Yield: 12 Servings Ingredients 4 cups uncooked egg noodles 1/2 cup butter, divided 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon white pepper 3-1/2 cups 2% milk 4 cups cubed cooked chicken 2 jars (12 ounces each) chicken gravy 1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained 1/2 cup cubed process cheese (Velveeta) 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs 4 teaspoons butter, melted Directions Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt 6 tablespoons butter. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in the chicken, gravy and pimientos. Drain noodles; toss with remaining butter. Stir into chicken mixture. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly. Combine the cheese, bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle around edges of casserole. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes longer or until golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Yield: 12 servings (1 cup each). Nutritional Facts 1 cup equals 345 calories, 17 g fat (9 g saturated fat), 96 mg cholesterol, 555 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 21 g protein.