The Easiest Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Whipping up a delightful chicken tetrazzini always sparks joy in my kitchen.

Pasta lovers find this creamy comfort dish irresistibly satisfying.

Tender chunks of chicken nestle perfectly among silky noodles.

Mushrooms add an earthy depth that makes each bite memorable.

Parmesan cheese creates a golden, crispy topping that elevates the entire meal.

Quick and straightforward ingredients come together without complicated techniques.

We promise this recipe will become a cherished favorite you’ll want to share.

Grab a fork and prepare for pure culinary happiness!

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Mixes Pasta, Sauce, And Nostalgia

• Quick Family Comfort: Perfect weeknight dinner that comes together effortlessly with minimal kitchen time and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Versatile Ingredient Swap: Easily customize with leftover turkey, swap mushrooms for different vegetables, or adjust cheese types based on pantry availability.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Delightful one-dish meal that appeals to both kids and adults, delivering creamy, cheesy goodness everyone will enjoy.
• Budget-Friendly Option: Transforms affordable ingredients like chicken, pasta, and canned soup into a restaurant-worthy casserole without breaking the bank.

Items In Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

• Spaghetti, Fettuccine: Classic long pasta that provides the foundational carbohydrate layer for this comforting dish, perfect for holding creamy sauce.

• Chicken: Tender, pre-cooked shredded meat that adds protein and substance to the casserole, best when freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Rich, melty cheeses that create a golden, stretchy topping with deep umami flavor, choose freshly grated for best texture.

• Onion, Garlic, Mushrooms: Flavor-building ingredients that provide depth and earthy undertones, select fresh and crisp vegetables for maximum taste.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Smooth, rich liquids that create a luxurious sauce, ensuring a silky and comforting texture.

• Salt, Pepper, Thyme: Classic seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

• Breadcrumbs: Crunchy topping that adds textural contrast, provides golden-brown crispy layer when baked.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Preparation

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

This will create the perfect environment for baking your delicious chicken tetrazzini.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil water and prepare pasta according to package instructions.

Cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Grab a large skillet and melt butter over medium heat.

• Onions
• Garlic

Sauté until they become soft and fragrant.

Toss in mushrooms and cook until they’re tender and golden.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes, creating a rich and velvety base.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

Add shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Breadcrumbs (optional)

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Pro-Level Prep For Chicken Tetrazzini

• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking.
• Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and better flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a quick, flavorful protein substitute for home-cooked shredded chicken.
• Add toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture and a golden-brown top that provides delightful crispiness.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories without compromising the creamy sauce's richness.

Chicken Tetrazzini Plan To Reheat With Flavor

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled tetrazzini to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot and evenly warmed.

Tetrazzini Dish Companions

• Elevate Creamy Comfort: Wine Pairing
• Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay to complement the rich, creamy sauce and cut through the dish's heaviness. The wine's subtle oakiness matches perfectly with the mushroom and chicken flavors.
• Create Refreshing Salad Balance
• Prepare a light, tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the tetrazzini's richness. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes will cleanse the palate between bites of the creamy pasta.
• Add Herbal Side Vegetable Harmony
• Roast asparagus spears with garlic and olive oil as a vibrant, nutritious side dish. The vegetable's earthy undertones and crisp texture provide a wonderful counterpoint to the soft, cheesy tetrazzini.
• Serve Crisp Bread Accompaniment
• Toast crusty sourdough bread with herb butter to add a crunchy element that complements the dish's creamy texture. The bread's slight tanginess will enhance the overall dining experience.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Upgrades

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternative or omit entirely.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use a low-carb cream cheese or alfredo sauce as base.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for topping. Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk cream.

FAQs

• What is chicken tetrazzini?

A classic Italian-American casserole featuring pasta, chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, typically baked with cheese until golden and bubbly.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, while spaghetti is traditional, you can use fettuccine, penne, or rotini to suit your preference or what’s available in your pantry.

• Is this dish good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare chicken tetrazzini ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready to eat, making it perfect for busy weeknights or planning meals in advance.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Consider using whole wheat pasta, low-fat cream soup, reducing cheese quantity, or adding more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 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 comfort meets simple elegance, delivering a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring the culinary canvas to life by preheating the oven to a welcoming 350°F, creating the perfect environment for this comforting dish.
2. Orchestrate the pasta’s journey by cooking it to al dente perfection, then gently setting it aside to await its saucy transformation.
3. Choreograph a flavor dance in a large skillet, melting butter and coaxing onions and garlic into a soft, aromatic embrace.
4. Introduce mushrooms to the skillet, allowing them to tenderize and release their earthy essence into the developing medley.
5. Weave a rich tapestry of flavors by blending cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream into a luxurious sauce.
6. Sprinkle in thyme, salt, and pepper, letting the seasonings whisper their magic as the sauce gently simmers and thickens.
7. Fold the shredded chicken and prepared pasta into the velvety sauce, ensuring each morsel is lovingly coated with the creamy mixture.
8. Transfer the sumptuous creation to a greased baking dish, creating a culinary landscape ready for its final embellishments.
9. Crown the dish with a regal layer of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, adding breadcrumbs for a crisp, golden finish if desired.
10. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden blanket that promises comfort and satisfaction.
11. After 20-25 minutes, retrieve your masterpiece and serve immediately, inviting everyone to savor the warm, creamy indulgence.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by roasting chicken with herbs before shredding for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Transform into a gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles and using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Reduce calories by replacing heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half while maintaining creamy texture.
• Prep ahead by assembling the dish completely and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for busy weeknight meals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg