If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and absolutely irresistible, this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and savory mushrooms, this casserole brings together everything you crave in a cozy family meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken and is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want excellent leftovers for tomorrow, this recipe has you covered from first bite to last crumb.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—every ingredient is carefully chosen to bring rich flavor, creamy texture, and just the right touch of color. Don’t worry about fancy extras; these basics come together for a result that feels anything but basic.
- Spaghetti or Linguine (12 oz, broken in half): Breaking the pasta helps it nestle into every saucy bite and makes serving so much easier.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies for a deep, savory base.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Brings a mild sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the whole dish with that irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Sliced Mushrooms (8 oz): Add earthiness, texture, and a little extra umami punch.
- Cooked Chicken (2 cups, shredded): Rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly for quick prep and juicy bites.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The secret shortcut for a creamy, savory sauce without hours of simmering.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce extra creamy and adds a tangy richness.
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Loosens the sauce just enough and deepens the overall flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and balances the creaminess.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the garlic flavor for maximum savory goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Delivers a salty, nutty kick and a delicious golden crust.
- Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey, bubbly perfection on top.
- Chopped Parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a burst of fresh color and flavor right before serving.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your broken spaghetti or linguine and cook it just until al dente, about one minute less than the package directions. This keeps it from getting mushy as it bakes. Drain the pasta and set it aside—you’re already halfway to a delicious base!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, just until it’s soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and cook for another 5 minutes until everything is tender and the mushrooms have released their juices. This step builds a flavorful base that makes the Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe so special.
Step 3: Mix in the Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
Stir the shredded chicken into the skillet, followed by the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Give everything a good stir so the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, then let it heat through for about 2 to 3 minutes. The smell at this point is pure comfort!
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
Add the drained pasta into the skillet with your creamy chicken mixture. Toss and fold everything together until the noodles are well coated and every bite has a bit of chicken, mushroom, and saucy goodness. If the skillet is too full, you can do this step in a large bowl.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll know it’s ready when the top looks irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
When the Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe comes out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and brightness. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so the sauce sets just enough for perfect slices.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch—it not only makes the casserole look gorgeous but also adds a refreshing flavor that balances the creamy richness. For a little extra zing, try a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or even a bit of lemon zest over each serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The lightness of the sides cuts through the creamy pasta, making your meal feel complete without being too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist, serve the Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe in individual ramekins or mini casseroles—everyone gets their own bubbling portion! Or, for a family-style feast, bring the whole casserole straight to the table and let everyone dig in. Leftovers also make fantastic packed lunches, so don’t be shy about serving it cold or at room temperature for a delicious next-day treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe tasting its best, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days—just be sure to let the casserole cool to room temperature before sealing it up.
Freezing
This recipe is a dream for meal prep! Simply assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat through.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or cover the whole baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. If the pasta seems a little dry, splash in a tablespoon or two of chicken broth before reheating to bring back that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine is traditional, you can use fettuccine, penne, or even rotini—just stick to a similar amount and cook it until al dente before adding to the casserole.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut, but you can also use any leftover roasted, grilled, or poached chicken. If you’re starting from scratch, simply season chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, bake or poach them until cooked through, then shred.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for cooked vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The creamy, cheesy base will still shine.
Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup with something else?
You can use cream of chicken soup if you prefer a milder flavor, or even make a homemade béchamel sauce if you want to skip canned soup altogether. Both will give you a luscious, creamy casserole.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s just as easy as it is delicious, this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is, and I bet your family will ask for seconds!
Print
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is a creamy, comforting pasta bake featuring tender chicken, mushrooms, and a rich sauce topped with melted cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, combining simple ingredients into a delicious, crowd-pleasing casserole.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, broken in half
Sauce and Filling
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and any released liquid has evaporated.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything well and let the mixture heat through for 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat to blend the flavors.
- Assemble Pasta Mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy chicken and mushroom sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
- Bake and Finish: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut to cooking chicken.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if preferred for a different flavor profile.
- Feel free to swap mozzarella with cheddar cheese or use a mix for varied taste and texture.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
