The Best Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe That Everyone Loves

Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy chicken tetrazzini that promises a delightful twist on classic pasta dishes.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this hearty chicken tetrazzini recipe with layers of tender meat and silky sauce.

Pasta lovers rejoice as each forkful blends rich, creamy textures with savory chicken and perfectly cooked noodles.

The dish brings a rustic charm to your dinner table, combining simple ingredients with elegant flavors.

Weeknight meals never looked so good with this crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together effortlessly.

Warm, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite, this chicken tetrazzini will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible pasta masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

What You Need for Chicken Tetrazzini

• Chicken: Tender and juicy protein for a hearty meal.

• Linguini: Smooth and classic pasta for the casserole.

• Sour Cream, Cream of Chicken Soup, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and rich dairy components that add depth.

• Chicken Broth: Flavorful base that enhances the overall taste.

• Butter: Rich and smooth ingredient that adds richness.

• Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the flavors.

How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch glass baking dish and set it aside, ready for the delicious casserole.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce Base

• Melted butter
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Chicken broth
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything until the sauce looks smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Chicken

Toss the cooked, chopped chicken into the sauce.

Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece gets a perfect coating of the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Add Pasta

Pour the cooked linguini into the bowl.

Gently toss and mix so the pasta gets completely covered in the luscious sauce.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Carefully transfer the saucy pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese

Make sure the cheese covers the entire casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 40 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the sauce starts bubbling around the edges.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes.

This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your comforting chicken tetrazzini!

Tips for Creamy Tetrazzini Every Time

• Chop and cook chicken and pasta in advance to cut down total cooking time on busy nights.
• Switch mozzarella with cheddar or monterey jack for different flavor profiles and texture variations.
• Add extra chicken broth if mixture seems too thick, ensuring creamy and smooth pasta coating.
• Mix in frozen peas or diced carrots for extra vegetables without changing the dish's overall taste.
• Cover baking dish with aluminum foil during first 25 minutes of baking to keep casserole moist and prevent cheese from burning.

Saving and Reheating Chicken Tetrazzini

• Store leftover chicken tetrazzini in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

Great Pairings for Tetrazzini

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair this creamy chicken tetrazzini with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the rich sauce and complements the cheesy layers.
• Fresh Garden Salad Sidekick: Serve a light, tangy mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole and add a refreshing crunch to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetable Harmony: Add a side of roasted asparagus or broccoli with garlic and olive oil to introduce vibrant green vegetables that contrast with the dish's creamy texture.
• Crusty Bread Enhancer: Include warm, crusty French bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying additional texture to the dining experience.

Chicken Tetrazzini Twists to Explore

• Gluten-Free Chicken Tetrazzini: Replace linguini with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute linguini with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, coconut cream instead of sour cream, and olive oil in place of butter for individuals with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best in this Chicken Tetrazzini recipe?

Linguini is the recommended pasta for this recipe, but you can also use spaghetti or fettuccine as alternatives. The key is to choose a long, thin pasta that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option. Simply shred or chop the pre-cooked chicken and mix it into the sauce as the recipe instructs.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, Chicken Tetrazzini is great for meal prep. You can prepare the entire dish in advance, refrigerate it, and bake when ready to eat. It typically keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before baking.

• How can I make this recipe lighter or healthier?

To make a lighter version, use low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat sour cream, and part-skim mozzarella cheese. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or peas to increase the nutritional value.

Why Chicken Tetrazzini Is a Comfort Classic

• Whip Up Comfort: A foolproof recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy chicken pasta dish anyone can master, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Convenience: One-dish wonder that requires minimal prep work, uses pantry staples, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like chicken, pasta, and melted cheese, this casserole guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dinner parties, offering a hearty and satisfying option that suits multiple dining occasions.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this classic chicken tetrazzini, blending creamy pasta with tender poultry and a golden, crispy topping. Hearty and satisfying, this dish brings warmth to your table with its rich flavors and inviting textures you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped

Pasta and Cheese:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) linguini, cooked according to package directions
• 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
• 2 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cans cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups (454 grams) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth or stock
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Whisk together creamy sauce ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, blending melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper until smooth and uniform.
2. Gently fold chopped, cooked chicken into the velvety sauce, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the rich mixture.
3. Add cooked linguini to the sauce, carefully tossing until pasta strands are completely enrobed in the creamy concoction.
4. Carefully transfer the saucy pasta blend into a rectangular glass baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
5. Generously blanket the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese, creating a preliminary cheese layer that promises melty goodness.
6. Dust the surface with grated parmesan cheese, adding a final savory touch to enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
7. Position the prepared casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), allowing it to bake for 40 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
8. Remove from oven and allow the tetrazzini to rest for a few minutes, permitting the sauce to settle and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time and add extra flavor complexity to the dish.
• Substitute linguini with gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same creamy texture.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to increase vegetable content and create a more nutritionally balanced meal.
• Mix in toasted breadcrumbs before baking for a delightful crunchy topping that provides delicious textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 628
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 877 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 113 mg