Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

wide egg noodles (7 3/4 cups)

salt and pepper

unsalted butter

red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped fine

small onion, chopped fine

all purpose flour

half-and-half

low-sodium chicken broth

boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise and trimmed

deli American cheese, chopped coarse

sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

frozen peas, thawed and patted dry

Ritz Crackers, crushed coarse