Chicken Noodle Casserole

Chicken Noodle Casserole 12 oz uncooked wide egg noodles (about 7 cups) 1/4 cup butter 1 cup finely chopped celery 1 cup finely chopped onions 1 cup finely chopped carrots 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 3 cups chicken broth (from 32-oz carton) 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream 3 cups shredded cooked chicken 1/2 cup Italian style panko crispy bread crumbs 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese Chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley, if desired Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain egg noodles as directed on package. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat. Cook celery, onions, carrots and garlic in butter 6 to 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add 2 1/2 cups of the chicken broth, the thyme, salt and pepper to skillet; heat to boiling. In small measuring cup, beat remaining 1/2 cup chicken broth and the flour with whisk. Stir into hot chicken broth mixture in skillet. Simmer and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat; stir in whipping cream and shredded chicken. Add cooked egg noodles to baking dish; stir in chicken mixture until mixed well. Cover; bake 30 to 35 minutes or until casserole is heated through. Meanwhile, in 8-inch nonstick skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Cook bread crumbs in butter 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over baked casserole. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.