Get ready to meet your next go-to comfort food: Chicken Tetrazzini. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and pasta, this dish is the definition of cozy. It’s like a warm hug from your kitchen a bubbling casserole that fills your home with the kind of savory aromas that make everyone ask, “What’s cooking?”

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a bring-it-to-the-potluck kind of dish, or a comforting meal prep option for the week ahead, this recipe hits the spot every single time. Trust me, you’re going to love twirling your fork through this cheesy, creamy, golden-topped goodness.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Tetrazzini

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Works with leftover chicken or turkey and welcomes veggie additions like mushrooms, peas, or spinach.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and stretches a little bit of chicken into a whole meal.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and a simple sauce make this an achievable dinner any night of the week.

Customizable: You can swap the pasta, tweak the cheeses, or toss in your favorite veggies.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Chicken Tetrazzini

This cozy casserole brings together a handful of everyday ingredients that transform into a creamy, satisfying dish:

Cooked Chicken: Shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken works beautifully and saves time.

Spaghetti or Linguine: The pasta foundation of the dish. It soaks up the creamy sauce and keeps the casserole hearty.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creamy depth and a subtle earthiness. You can also use cream of chicken for a milder flavor.

Sour Cream: Tangy and rich, it balances the creaminess with a little zing.

Chicken Broth: Thins the sauce just enough and deepens the flavor profile.

Cheddar Cheese: Melted throughout and sprinkled on top it brings that golden, bubbly goodness.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty saltiness and a crisp top layer when baked.

Onions and Garlic: For an aromatic, savory base that elevates every bite.

Butter and Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and layering in richness.

Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning: Classic flavor boosters that round everything out.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden top.

Cook the Pasta

Boil your spaghetti or linguine until just al dente—don’t overcook, since it’ll continue to soften in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Add onions and garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant. This step builds the savory base.

Combine the Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and seasonings. Stir in the sautéed onions and garlic.

Mix with Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the bowl. Mix until everything is well coated with that luscious sauce.

Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese generously over the top.

Cook to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. The cheese should be melted and slightly crisp.

Finishing Touches

Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes slicing easier.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm and dig in! Creamy, cheesy, and absolutely comforting—this is one dish that always delivers.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~500–600 kcal (varies with cheese and pasta choices)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Tetrazzini

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast
• Garlic bread or buttery rolls to soak up that extra sauce
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans
• A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Don’t overcook the pasta it should have a little bite since it bakes longer.
• Add mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition and texture.
• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Gruyère if you want a different cheesy vibe.
• Let it rest after baking to firm up before slicing and serving.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container it reheats beautifully!

FAQ’s

1. Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Turkey is a fantastic substitute, especially around the holidays.

2. What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine all work well, but you can use any long pasta you have on hand.

3. Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge before baking as directed.

4. Can I use homemade sauce instead of canned soup?
Yes, a homemade béchamel or mushroom cream sauce works great if you prefer no canned ingredients.

5. How do I keep it from drying out?
Be sure your sauce-to-pasta ratio is generous, and cover with foil during part of the baking if needed.

6. Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream soup substitute.

7. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it earlier in the day and refrigerate until ready to bake.

8. What cheese can I use instead of cheddar?
Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss are all delicious alternatives.

9. What’s a good side dish for this casserole?
A simple salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread pair beautifully.

10. Can I add veggies to the mix?
Absolutely—peas, mushrooms, or spinach are classic additions. Just cook them slightly before adding.

Conclusion

Chicken Tetrazzini is comfort food at its finest creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering. With its cozy, satisfying layers and customizable nature, it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, make a big batch and watch it disappear you’ll be glad you did.

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