Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Whipping up a delightful chicken tetrazzini can turn an ordinary weeknight into a culinary celebration.

Pasta lovers rejoice as this creamy, comforting dish promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich, velvety sauce create a symphony of flavors.

Mushrooms and parmesan cheese add depth and complexity to every single bite.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together with minimal effort.

Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe a total winner for anyone seeking a delicious, hearty meal.

One forkful, and you’ll understand why this classic comfort food never goes out of style.

Keeping Chicken Tetrazzini Fresh and Tasty

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, chicken tetrazzini stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled tetrazzini to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil last 5 minutes for crispy top.
• Microwave: Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Chicken Tetrazzini Questions, Answered

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti or fettuccine for the noodles. Just ensure they’re cooked al dente to maintain the right texture.

• Is rotisserie chicken the only meat option?

No, you can use leftover roasted chicken, grilled chicken, or even turkey as an alternative protein source for this dish.

• How can I make this dish lighter or healthier?

Use low-fat cream, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to cut down on calories while maintaining flavor.

• Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Why Chicken Tetrazzini Deserves a Spot on Your Table

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Transform ordinary ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Swap rotisserie chicken for leftover turkey, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to match your family's taste preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing a complete meal in a single casserole dish that feeds multiple people without complex cooking techniques.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Deliver a creamy, cheesy pasta experience that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable for everyone at the table.

What Goes Into Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

• Noodles: Tender pasta that serves as the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked, shredded chicken that adds rich protein and convenience to the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy bases that create a smooth and luxurious sauce.
• Milk: Helps to thin and blend the sauce ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create a creamy texture.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide a golden, bubbly topping and creamy flavor.
• Dried Parsley: A light herb that adds a touch of color and subtle flavor to the dish.
• Seasoning Salt, Red Pepper Flakes: Optional garnishes that enhance the overall taste with extra kick and seasoning.

How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini Like a Pro

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) to prepare for the delicious magic about to happen.

Step 2: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Boil the noodles until they reach that perfect al dente texture, following the package guidance.

Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Luxurious Sauce

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the sauce ingredients with a whisk until silky smooth.

• Shredded chicken
• Half of the cheese blend
• Cooked noodles

Toss everything together until each strand is beautifully coated.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Generously butter a casserole dish, spreading the pasta mixture evenly across the surface.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and dust with dried parsley for a pop of color.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Brilliance

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes.

Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown top that signals culinary perfection.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Plate up this comfort classic and kick it up a notch with a sprinkle of seasoning salt and red pepper flakes.

Complement the dish with warm dinner rolls or steamed broccoli for a complete and satisfying meal.

Winning Tips for Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini

• Replace rotisserie chicken with leftover roasted or poached chicken to reduce food waste and save money.
• Swap regular noodles with gluten-free pasta for those with wheat sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to boost vegetable content and create more nutritional depth in the dish.
• Reduce baking time by 5-10 minutes if using a glass casserole dish to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like gruyère or fontina for a more complex flavor profile and creamy texture.

Chicken Tetrazzini with a Twist

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or a mix of crab and white fish for an ocean-inspired version of the classic casserole.
• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Swap chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty plant-based alternative that's packed with flavor.
• Mediterranean Magic: Add sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh basil to give the dish a Greek-inspired transformation with bright, tangy notes.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced green chiles, pepper jack cheese, and swap parsley for cilantro to create a zesty southwestern rendition that brings heat and excitement to the table.

Best Pairings for Chicken Tetrazzini Night

• Elevate Chicken Tetrazzini Dining Experience
• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied white wine with buttery notes that complement the creamy pasta sauce, balancing the rich chicken and cheese flavors perfectly.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed greens salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness, adding brightness and refreshing contrast to each bite.
• Match with Roasted Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the tetrazzini to soak up extra sauce and provide a delightful crunchy texture that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Recommend Sparkling Water with Lemon: Offer a clean, citrusy beverage that cleanses the palate between bites, helping to refresh taste buds and balance the creamy pasta's intensity.

Easy Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken tetrazzini brings comfort straight from Italian-American kitchens, blending tender pasta with succulent chicken in a rich, cheesy sauce. Hearty and satisfying, this classic casserole promises warmth and deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 16 ounces (454 grams) linguini
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 cans (10.5 ounces/298 grams each) cream of chicken soup, condensed
• 1 block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1.5 cups chicken broth

Seasoning and Preparation Ingredients:

• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup butter, softened (for buttering the casserole dish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a casserole dish with a light butter coating to prevent sticking.
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together cream-based sauce ingredients until completely smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Fold the shredded rotisserie chicken into the sauce mixture, ensuring even distribution of protein throughout the creamy base.
5. Gently combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce, stirring carefully to coat every noodle with the rich, velvety mixture.
6. Transfer the combined pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
7. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top, creating a complete coverage that will melt into a golden, crispy crust.
8. Dust the surface with dried parsley for added color and subtle herbal notes.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, watching for a bubbly, golden-brown surface that indicates perfect doneness.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.
11. Serve with optional red pepper flakes and seasoning salt for diners who enjoy an extra flavor kick, accompanied by warm rolls or steamed broccoli.

Notes

• Swap regular noodles with gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Reduce calorie content by using low-fat cream, Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and part-skim mozzarella cheese.
• Enhance protein variety by substituting chicken with leftover turkey, shredded salmon, or plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh.
• Add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and create a more balanced one-dish meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg