Simple Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

The Best Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Whipping up a delightful chicken tetrazzini can transform an ordinary weeknight into a culinary adventure.

Pasta lovers will adore this creamy, comforting dish that comes together with minimal effort.

Succulent chicken, tender noodles, and a rich, velvety sauce create a symphony of flavors.

Mushrooms add an earthy depth that makes each bite incredibly satisfying.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together, using simple ingredients from the pantry.

Cheese lovers will melt for the golden, bubbling topping that crowns this classic casserole.

Grab a fork and prepare to savor every delicious, cheesy forkful.

Variations on Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Tetrazzini: Replace linguini with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegetarian Tetrazzini: Swap chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternative, maintaining the creamy sauce and cheese layers.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Tetrazzini: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles and use lower-fat cream cheese to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Tetrazzini: Incorporate feta cheese, add sun-dried tomatoes, and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a Mediterranean-inspired adaptation.

Serving Ideas for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this creamy chicken tetrazzini as a hearty main dish with loved ones gathered around the table, creating warm memories.
  • Elegant Side Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the rich, cheesy pasta.
  • Potluck Party Perfection: Transport this comforting casserole in a covered dish to gatherings, where it'll become an instant crowd-pleasing favorite that everyone will request again.
  • Leftover Magic Makeover: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick lunch, or transform remaining tetrazzini into a delightful wrap filling for next day's meal.

How to Store Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Transfer chicken tetrazzini to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute linguini with spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Just cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.

  • Is rotisserie chicken the only option?

No, you can use leftover roasted chicken, boiled chicken, or even canned chicken. Just ensure the chicken is shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, remove from the refrigerator, let it sit for 15 minutes, then bake as directed.

Why Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Is a Comfort Food Classic

  • Customize with Ease: Swap rotisserie chicken for leftover grilled chicken, experiment with different pasta shapes, or add vegetables like peas or mushrooms to personalize the dish.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Cheese Delight: Multiple cheese varieties create a rich, creamy texture that makes this recipe irresistible for both kids and adults, perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
  • Budget-Friendly Cooking: Utilizes affordable ingredients like canned soup, rotisserie chicken, and pantry staples, delivering maximum flavor without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Main Ingredients:
  • Linguini Pasta: The hearty base that provides structure and texture to the chicken tetrazzini.
  • Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked and flavorful chicken that adds protein and simplifies the recipe preparation.
Sauce Components:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and smooth sauce base.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a silky sauce consistency.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Garlic, Parsley, Italian Seasoning, Black Pepper: Aromatic herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Cheese Topping:
  • Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide a golden, crispy, and flavorful top layer to the casserole.
Additional Components:
  • Butter: Used for greasing the casserole dish to prevent sticking and add a subtle richness.

How to Cook Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

How to Cook Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Dish

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a casserole dish and generously coat the inside with softened butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil your favorite pasta (linguini works great) following the package directions.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Create Magical Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together these ingredients:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Minced garlic
  • Sour cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Fresh parsley
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning

Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Chicken And Pasta

Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken and the cooked pasta into the sauce.

Stir gently until everything is evenly coated with the luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Transfer the mixture to the buttered casserole dish.

Sprinkle a delicious blend of:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

across the top of the dish.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Sprinkle some extra dried parsley on top for a pop of color.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Pro Tips for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Cook linguini al dente to prevent mushy results when baking the casserole.
  • Replace rotisserie chicken with leftover turkey, canned tuna, or cooked shrimp for variety.
  • Toast Italian seasoning in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to the sauce to intensify aromatic notes.
  • Substitute heavy cream ingredients with low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator and baking just before serving for convenient meal planning.
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Simple Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Simple Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

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

Description

Creamy chicken tetrazzini delights dinner tables with its rich, comforting layers of pasta, tender chicken, and velvety sauce. Cheese-topped noodles and savory ingredients create a classic Italian-American casserole you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded

Pasta:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) linguini

Cheese:

  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Other Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup butter (for greasing casserole dish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and apply a light butter coating to a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook linguini according to package directions, ensuring a perfect al dente texture, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
  3. Create a creamy sauce base by whisking cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, garlic, sour cream, chicken broth, parsley, pepper, and Italian seasoning until smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Incorporate shredded rotisserie chicken and cooked pasta into the sauce, gently folding to ensure complete and even coating.
  5. Carefully transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
  6. Generously sprinkle a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses across the top, covering the entire surface.
  7. Place in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling cheese topping and heated-through consistency.
  8. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes to set, then garnish with an additional sprinkle of dried parsley for enhanced visual appeal and flavor.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is perfectly melted.

Notes

  • Swap out rotisserie chicken for grilled, baked, or leftover chicken to customize the protein based on preference or availability.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and cream of chicken soup to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Boost vegetable content by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
  • Lower the fat content by using reduced-fat cream cheese, low-fat cheese blends, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 626 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 456 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 44 g
  • Cholesterol: 113 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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