Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Creamy Homemade Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe That Wows Every Time

My go-to comfort classic, this easy chicken tetrazzini recipe promises a delightful pasta experience that never disappoints.

Creamy noodles intertwine with tender chicken pieces in a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Rich parmesan and subtle herbs dance across each perfectly cooked strand.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions like this crowd-pleasing dish.

Busy home cooks appreciate meals that come together quickly without sacrificing taste.

Layers of savory goodness await you in this straightforward culinary creation.

Grab your fork and prepare to savor every delectable bite!

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini with a Creamy Twist

  • Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Toss together this comforting casserole with minimal prep, perfect for busy families craving a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies both kids and adults.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Transform leftover chicken into a delicious one-pan wonder that works great for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilize affordable ingredients like pasta, canned soup, and common cheeses to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising taste.

Ingredients for Chicken Tetrazzini

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Shredded protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish.
Main Carbohydrate:
  • Spaghetti: Classic pasta that serves as the base of this comforting casserole.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter: Provides rich and smooth base for sautéing vegetables.
  • Onions, Garlic, Mushrooms: Aromatic vegetables that build deep flavor profile.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that adds thickness and earthy taste.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps create smooth and cohesive sauce.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and creamy texture to the dish.
Cheese Topping:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and flavorful cheese combination that creates golden brown crust.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance overall taste of the dish.

How to Prepare Chicken Tetrazzini Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Kitchen

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab a pot and cook those spaghetti noodles exactly like the package says.

Drain and set aside when they’re perfectly tender.

Step 2: Sizzle and Soften

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Sliced mushrooms

Stir and cook until everything becomes wonderfully soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Sauce

Pour into the skillet:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Chicken broth
  • Sour cream
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk everything together until smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Mix and Combine

Fold in the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken. Make sure every noodle gets coated with that dreamy sauce.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Grease a baking dish and transfer the entire mixture into it. Spread it evenly for perfect coverage.

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle generously with:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with deliciousness.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Pull out your masterpiece and let it cool for a few minutes. Scoop onto plates and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Pro Tips for Chicken Tetrazzini Success

  • Swap chicken with turkey or tofu for different protein options, keeping the dish versatile for various dietary preferences.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and cream of mushroom soup to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising flavor.
  • Enhance the dish's nutrition by adding frozen peas or spinach during the sauce mixing stage for extra vegetables.
  • Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes meal prep easier.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain the creamy texture.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Tetrazzini: Replace spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegetarian Mushroom Tetrazzini: Swap chicken with roasted tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Tetrazzini: Substitute spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles and reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and plant-based butter for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Chicken Tetrazzini with Style

  • Family Comfort Dinner: Serve this creamy chicken tetrazzini as a hearty main course that brings everyone together around the dinner table, perfect for cozy weeknight meals.
  • Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this cheesy pasta dish to gatherings, where it travels well and can be easily reheated, making it a crowd-pleasing contribution to shared meals.
  • Leftover Magic Transformation: Repurpose extra roasted or rotisserie chicken into this delicious one-pan meal, creating a completely new dinner experience with minimal effort.
  • Quick Lunch Companion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a satisfying midday lunch that reheats beautifully and keeps you full through afternoon work hours.

Storage Tips for Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Store leftover chicken tetrazzini in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Properly stored, the dish will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator without losing its delicious flavor and texture.
  • Freeze the tetrazzini in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, ensuring it's tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
  • Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag for easier portioning and reheating.

FAQs

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken are perfect because they’re already cooked and easy to shred, saving you time and adding extra flavor.

  • Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to make the entire recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

  • How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Consider mixing in frozen peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers during the sauce combination step to boost nutrition and add more color to the dish.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prepping?

Absolutely! Chicken Tetrazzini reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance.

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Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy chicken tetrazzini offers a comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, mushrooms, and a rich parmesan sauce. Pasta lovers will savor this classic Italian-American casserole that delivers hearty flavors and satisfying warmth you can enjoy any night of the week.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cups (475 ml) chicken, shredded

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Other Ingredients:

  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) for optimal baking conditions.
  2. Prepare spaghetti according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture.
  3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until they become translucent and tender.
  4. Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, salt, and pepper to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
  5. Fold cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken into the sauce, coating each strand evenly.
  6. Grease a baking dish and carefully transfer the saucy pasta mixture, spreading it out uniformly.
  7. Generously sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a rich, golden blanket.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden-brown crust.
  9. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and ensure easy portioning.

Notes

  • Swap regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Replace chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, comforting texture.
  • Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup for a heart-healthier meal.
  • Enhance nutrition by adding colorful vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas to boost vitamins and create a more balanced dish.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 426 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 690 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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