Jackie Kennedy’s Casserole Marie Blanche

This casserole is basically what happens when comfort food gets an elegant makeover and decides it’s too good for your average Tuesday night dinner.

Picture this: tender egg noodles swimming in a cloud of creamy cottage cheese and sour cream, with fresh chives adding that perfect pop of color and flavor that makes you feel fancy even if you’re eating it straight from the baking dish.

The genius of this recipe lies in its deceptive simplicity – just six ingredients that somehow transform into something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when you actually spent more time preheating the oven than doing actual work.

We’re talking about a dish that’s creamy without being heavy, sophisticated without being complicated, and satisfying in that soul-warming way that makes you want to curl up with a good book and pretend the outside world doesn’t exist.

The best part is watching people take their first bite and get that slightly surprised look that says “wait, this is actually really good” followed immediately by them going back for seconds before they’ve even finished their first serving.

This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you have a secret weapon in your cooking arsenal – something that looks impressive on the table but won’t leave you stress-sweating in the kitchen or washing dishes until midnight.

Ingredients

For the casserole base

• 1½ pounds egg noodles, cooked and drained according to package directions
• 1 cup cream-style cottage cheese, room temperature for best mixing
• 1 cup sour cream, full-fat for richest flavor and texture

For seasoning and finishing

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground preferred
• ⅓ cup fresh chives, snipped or finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter, for dotting the top

Instructions

Preparation

1. 1 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center for even heating. This moderate temperature ensures the casserole heats through completely without the top browning too quickly.
2. 2 Cook the 1½ pounds egg noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly in a large colander. Give them a gentle shake to remove excess water – too much moisture will make your casserole watery instead of creamy.
3. 3 Generously butter a 2-quart casserole dish using additional butter beyond what’s called for in the recipe. This prevents sticking and adds an extra layer of rich flavor to the edges.

Assembly

1. 4 In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained noodles with 1 cup cottage cheese and 1 cup sour cream. Use a large spoon or silicone spatula to fold everything together gently – you want the dairy products evenly distributed without breaking up the noodles.
2. 5 Season the mixture with ½ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper, then fold in the ⅓ cup chopped chives. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – the mixture should be well-seasoned since baking will mellow the flavors slightly.

Baking

1. 6 Transfer the noodle mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The surface doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth – a few peaks and valleys will create nice browning spots.
2. 7 Dot the top with the 1 tablespoon butter, breaking it into small pieces and distributing them across the surface. This creates golden spots and adds richness as it melts and browns.
3. 8 Bake for 30 minutes until the noodles begin to brown on top and the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges. The center should be heated through completely – you can test with a knife inserted in the middle, which should come out hot.
4. 9 Serve immediately while the casserole is at its creamiest and most flavorful. The texture is best when it’s fresh from the oven and hasn’t had time to set up too much.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results)

• Large mixing bowls – You’ll need space to combine all those noodles with the creamy mixture without making a mess. Stainless steel or glass bowls work best for easy mixing and cleanup.
• 2-quart casserole dish – The specified size ensures proper depth for even heating. Glass or ceramic dishes work beautifully and can go from oven to table for elegant presentation.
• Large colander – Essential for draining the noodles thoroughly. Excess water is the enemy of creamy casseroles, so a good colander with plenty of drainage holes is crucial.
• Silicone spatula – Perfect for folding the delicate mixture without breaking the noodles. The flexible edge gets every bit of creamy goodness from the bowl.

Helpful Upgrades

• Kitchen scale – For more precise measurements, especially if you’re scaling the recipe up or down for different occasions or family sizes.
• Instant-read thermometer – The center should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety, though this is rarely an issue with the 30-minute baking time.

Nice-to-Have Options

• Parchment paper – Line your baking dish for easier cleanup, though proper buttering works just as well for this recipe.
• Storage containers – This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator and reheats well, making good storage essential for leftovers.

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

• Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta of similar shape – rice-based or corn-based noodles work exceptionally well
• Cook gluten-free pasta just until tender as it can become mushy more quickly than wheat pasta
• Consider adding 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with the dairy ingredients for extra binding if needed
• Baking time remains the same, but watch for faster browning

Dairy-Free Modifications

• Substitute cottage cheese with dairy-free ricotta or cashew cream cheese (same amount)
• Replace sour cream with coconut cream or dairy-free sour cream alternative
• Use vegan butter for dotting the top
• The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy

Protein Boost Variations

• Fold in 1 cup cooked chicken, diced ham, or crumbled bacon before baking
• Add ½ cup chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra richness and protein
• Stir in 1 cup cooked ground turkey seasoned with herbs

Vegetable Enhancements

• Mix in 1 cup steamed broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition
• Add ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flair
• Incorporate 1 cup frozen peas (thawed) for color and sweetness

Cheese Lover’s Version

• Add ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the mixture
• Top with ¼ cup additional cheese before baking for a golden, bubbly top
• Consider cream cheese instead of cottage cheese for ultra-rich results

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This elegant casserole provides approximately 204 calories per serving when divided into 12 portions, making it a reasonable side dish or light main course. The combination of egg noodles and dairy products delivers a solid balance of carbohydrates and protein, with each serving providing roughly 8 grams of protein and 32 grams of carbohydrates. The cottage cheese contributes high-quality complete protein while keeping the fat content moderate compared to heavier cream-based casseroles.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

The cottage cheese serves as an excellent source of casein protein, which digests slowly and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. It’s also rich in calcium and phosphorus for bone health, plus B vitamins that support energy metabolism. Sour cream provides beneficial probiotics when made with live cultures, supporting digestive health. The fresh chives aren’t just for flavor – they contain vitamin K for bone health, folate for cellular function, and antioxidants that support immune system function. Egg noodles provide B vitamins, particularly niacin and thiamine, which are essential for energy production and nervous system function.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe contains gluten from the egg noodles and dairy from multiple sources, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or lactose intolerance without modifications. However, it’s naturally vegetarian and provides a good balance of macronutrients. The sodium content is moderate and can be adjusted by reducing the added salt or choosing low-sodium cottage cheese varieties.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

• Cottage cheese → Ricotta cheese (same amount, slightly richer flavor) or Greek yogurt (use ¾ cup, tangier taste)
• Sour cream → Greek yogurt (1:1 ratio, more protein) or crème fraîche (same amount, more sophisticated flavor)
• Fresh chives → Green onion tops (same amount) or dried chives (use 2 tablespoons)
• Egg noodles → Penne pasta or rotini (same weight, different texture but equally delicious)

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

• Cottage cheese → Cream cheese mixed with milk (4 oz cream cheese + ¼ cup milk)
• Sour cream → Plain yogurt mixed with lemon juice (1 cup yogurt + 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
• Fresh chives → Dried parsley or onion powder (1 teaspoon onion powder)

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

• Cottage cheese → Mashed silken tofu with salt (1 cup tofu + ½ teaspoon salt)
• Sour cream → Heavy cream with vinegar (1 cup cream + 1 tablespoon vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
• Butter → Olive oil or vegetable oil (same amount)

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

• When using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, choose full-fat versions to prevent curdling during baking
• If substituting dried herbs for fresh chives, add them earlier in the mixing process to allow flavors to develop
• Store leftover cottage cheese and sour cream properly refrigerated and use within their expiration dates for best results

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

• Replace 1½ pounds egg noodles with 1 pound whole wheat pasta plus 2 cups cauliflower florets (blanched)
• Use shirataki noodles mixed with 8 oz whole wheat pasta for significant carb reduction
• Substitute zucchini noodles for half the egg noodles (about 3 large zucchini, spiralized)
• Total carb reduction: Approximately 15-20 grams per serving with these modifications

Protein and Fat Balance:

• Choose low-fat cottage cheese to reduce calories while maintaining protein content
• Add 1 cup cooked lean protein (chicken breast, turkey, or lean ground beef) to increase satiety
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for double the protein and fewer carbs
• Include 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed for healthy fats and fiber

Portion and Timing Tips:

• Serve smaller portions (⅛ of the casserole instead of 1/12) alongside large salad or steamed vegetables
• Estimated carbs per modified serving: 22-25 grams instead of original 32 grams
• Pair with lean protein and healthy fats to slow glucose absorption
• Best consumed as part of lunch or dinner rather than alone as a snack

Blood Sugar Management:

• Add extra fiber with 1 cup steamed broccoli mixed into the casserole
• Use whole grain pasta when possible for slower glucose release
• Serving size recommendation: ¾ cup with 2 cups non-starchy vegetables

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts beautifully through the creamy richness while complementing the fresh chive flavors. For beer lovers, a light wheat beer or Belgian witbier provides the perfect balance without overwhelming the delicate dairy flavors. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon or unsweetened iced tea with fresh herbs – both cleanse the palate between bites. During cooler months, chamomile tea or light green tea makes an unexpectedly lovely pairing with the comfort-food nature of this casserole.

Side Dish Recommendations

This creamy casserole begs for crisp, fresh contrasts – try a mixed green salad with vinaigrette, roasted asparagus with lemon, or steamed green beans with almonds. Roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of balsamic provide both textural contrast and a slight bitter note that balances the richness beautifully. For heartier appetites, grilled or roasted chicken thighs make this a complete meal, while herb-crusted pork tenderloin elevates it to dinner party status.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, serve the casserole as your starch alongside roasted salmon or herb-roasted chicken, and finish with fresh berries or lemon sorbet. For casual entertaining, pair with grilled vegetables and crusty bread for a satisfying vegetarian meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Occasion Suggestions

Perfect for potluck dinners, holiday side dishes, or Sunday family meals. The make-ahead nature makes it ideal for busy weeknight dinners when prepared earlier in the day. It’s sophisticated enough for dinner parties yet comforting enough for casual gatherings.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Let your cottage cheese and sour cream come to room temperature before mixing – this prevents lumps and creates a smoother, more cohesive texture throughout the casserole. When combining the noodles with the dairy mixture, use a folding motion rather than stirring to prevent breaking the pasta and creating a mushy texture. Salt your pasta water generously – this is your only chance to season the noodles themselves, and well-seasoned pasta makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.

Common Mistake Prevention

The biggest error is overcooking the noodles initially – they’ll continue cooking in the oven, so aim for just barely al dente when draining. Don’t skip the butter dotting – those little pieces create beautiful golden spots and add richness that makes the difference between good and exceptional. Avoid overmixing once you add the chives, as they’ll break down and lose their fresh appearance and texture.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole keeps beautifully for 3-4 days refrigerated and actually improves in flavor as the ingredients meld. Reheat individual portions in the microwave at 50% power to prevent the dairy from separating, or reheat the whole dish covered in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 20-25 minutes. Freezing works but may change the texture slightly – thaw completely before reheating and add a splash of milk if needed.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator. For best results, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

This casserole proves that sometimes the most elegant dishes are also the simplest ones – just a handful of quality ingredients transformed into something that feels both sophisticated and satisfying, ready to grace your table whether it’s a quiet Tuesday night or your fanciest dinner party.