Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting—Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with anticipation. This classic American pasta bake combines tender chunks of chicken, earthy mushrooms, and spaghetti coated in a luscious cream sauce, all topped with a golden, bubbly layer of melted cheese. It’s the perfect way to turn leftover chicken into a soul-warming family meal, ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend potlucks.

The true beauty of Chicken Tetrazzini lies in its versatility and convenience. You can prep it ahead of time, use pantry staples, and adapt it with your favorite ingredients—like peas, spinach, or different cheeses. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for something cozy to reheat the next day, this baked pasta dish delivers comfort and flavor in every forkful.

---

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

• One-pan comfort food that feels fancy without being fussy.
• A great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey.
• Creamy, cheesy, and family-approved.
• Easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly.
• Crowd-pleaser for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, and Why They Matter)

Before diving into your Chicken Tetrazzini journey, make sure your kitchen is prepped with the right tools. The process is straightforward, but using the appropriate equipment ensures smooth sailing and the best texture.

• Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: This is where you’ll cook the spaghetti. A generously sized pot gives the pasta room to move and cook evenly.
• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for cooking the mushrooms, garlic, and mixing in the creamy sauce. A non-stick or stainless steel pan works great for browning without sticking.
• Mixing Bowl: For tossing the pasta with the sauce and chicken evenly before transferring it to the baking dish.
• Casserole or Baking Dish (9×13-inch): This is where the magic happens—your creamy pasta gets baked to golden perfection here.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Helps stir everything together gently without breaking the pasta.
• Colander: To drain the pasta once it’s al dente—don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce.
• Aluminum Foil: Use this to cover your dish during the first part of baking to keep the moisture in before uncovering to brown the top.
• Oven Mitts & Cooling Rack: Always important for safe handling and to allow the dish to rest after baking for a more set, sliceable texture.

---

Preparation Tips

• Pre-cook Your Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or boil and shred chicken breasts ahead of time to cut prep time in half.
• Undercook the Pasta Slightly: Cook spaghetti until just before al dente since it’ll continue cooking in the oven.
• Drain Mushrooms Well: If using canned mushrooms, pat them dry to avoid watery sauce.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best creamy top, shred fresh cheese.
• Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: Mix the pasta, sauce, and chicken thoroughly so every bite is evenly coated and flavorful.
• Let It Rest After Baking: This allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

---

Ingredients for This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this creamy, baked pasta perfection. The ingredients are simple but come together to create layers of rich flavor and indulgent texture.

---

Main Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti – Broken in half for easier mixing and baking.
• 3 cups cooked chicken – Shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly).
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 oz fresh mushrooms – Sliced (button or cremini).
• 3 cloves garlic – Minced.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – To thicken the sauce.
• 2 cups chicken broth – Preferably low sodium.
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream – Adds richness and silkiness.
• 1/2 cup sour cream – For tang and depth.
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese – Shredded, for that melty top.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for a sharp bite.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – Optional, for a subtle herby background.

---

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/2 cup frozen peas – Add during sauce mixing for color and sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – If you want a gentle kick.
• Chopped parsley – For garnish and fresh contrast.

---

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just shy of al dente—about 1 minute less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking if it will sit for a while.

---

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden and tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from skillet and set aside.

---

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of flour and stir to coat the pan. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth, scraping the bottom to incorporate any browned bits. Add 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly—about 4–5 minutes.

---

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, onion powder, and thyme. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth and melty.

---

Step 5: Combine Chicken, Mushrooms, Pasta & Sauce

Add the cooked chicken and sautéed mushrooms to the sauce. Then fold in the cooked spaghetti. Toss everything until well combined and every strand is coated.

---

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread evenly. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan.

---

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

---

Step 8: Rest, Garnish & Serve

Let the tetrazzini sit for 5–10 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve warm.

---

Notes

• Make Ahead: Chicken Tetrazzini is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a perfect option for meal prep or dinner parties.
• Freezing: This dish also freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.
• Cheese Variations: You can use different types of cheese depending on your preference. Gouda, cheddar, or even Gruyère would add a nice twist to the flavor profile.
• Leftovers: Leftover Chicken Tetrazzini is even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Since the pasta will cook further in the oven, be sure to cook it slightly under al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy once baked.
2. Not Draining the Pasta Well: Make sure to drain your pasta thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which could make your sauce watery.
3. Skipping the Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting period after baking! Letting the dish sit for 5-10 minutes helps the sauce set and makes it easier to serve.
4. Not Enough Sauce: If the sauce seems too thick, you can always add a little extra milk or chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.
5. Forgetting to Stir While Making the Sauce: Stir continuously when adding the liquids to prevent the flour from clumping and the sauce from separating.
6. Overloading the Dish with Cheese: While cheese is a key part of the recipe, don’t overdo it—balance is key. Too much cheese can make the sauce greasy.
7. Underseasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper levels as needed. This will bring out the flavors and elevate the dish.
8. Baking Too Long: Keep an eye on the casserole when baking. You don’t want to dry out the sauce or burn the cheese.

---

What to Serve with Chicken Tetrazzini?

Chicken Tetrazzini is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the experience. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:

1. Garlic Bread

A warm, crunchy garlic bread is a classic side that complements the creamy sauce of Chicken Tetrazzini. Its buttery, garlicky flavors make it a perfect accompaniment for dipping into the sauce.

2. Fresh Green Salad

A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to the richness of the dish. It’s the ideal way to balance out the flavors and add some freshness.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are excellent choices. Their slightly caramelized edges and earthy flavors create a lovely balance to the creamy pasta.

4. Steamed Broccoli

A simple side of steamed broccoli adds some greenery and crunch. The slight bitterness of broccoli is a great match for the richness of the tetrazzini.

5. Sautéed Spinach

Spinach sautéed with garlic and olive oil makes for a flavorful, nutrient-packed side that complements the dish’s creamy texture.

6. Grilled or Roasted Chicken

For a protein-packed addition, grilled or roasted chicken works well if you want to add more protein to your meal, especially if you’re serving a large crowd.

7. Caesar Salad

The creamy, tangy dressing of a Caesar salad pairs well with the cheesy, creamy texture of Chicken Tetrazzini. The crispy croutons add a nice texture contrast.

8. Roasted Potatoes

Golden, crispy roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic can serve as a hearty side, adding a bit of crispy indulgence to the meal.

---

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:
Leftover Chicken Tetrazzini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you can do so in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to keep moisture in.

Freezing:
This dish freezes wonderfully! After baking, allow the Chicken Tetrazzini to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes or until heated all the way through. You can also thaw it overnight in the fridge for faster reheating.

Reheating Tips:
If the sauce becomes too thick when reheating, simply add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up before serving.

---

Estimated Nutrition

While the nutritional value can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes, here is an approximate breakdown for a single serving of Chicken Tetrazzini:

• Calories: 450–500 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 600-800mg
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Calcium: 250-300mg

This is a rich and filling dish, so it’s perfect for a comforting meal, but be mindful of portion sizes if you’re looking to watch calorie intake.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for Chicken Tetrazzini?

Yes! While traditional recipes use spaghetti, you can easily substitute with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Just keep in mind that the cooking time for different pasta shapes may vary, so adjust accordingly.

2. Can I make this dish without cream?

You can swap the heavy cream with additional milk or a lighter version of cream (like half-and-half), but it will change the richness of the sauce. To maintain creaminess, adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream can help.

3. How can I make Chicken Tetrazzini gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. For the sauce, ensure your flour is replaced with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening.

4. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, it’s best to fully cook it first. You can bake or boil frozen chicken breasts and then shred them before adding them to the tetrazzini.

5. Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini without mushrooms?

Of course! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can leave them out or substitute them with another vegetable, like zucchini or bell peppers. You could also add spinach for some greens and color.

6. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Make sure not to overcook the pasta when boiling, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Also, don’t forget to mix it with the sauce as soon as possible to coat the pasta and prevent it from absorbing too much liquid.

7. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Vegetables like peas, spinach, or even bell peppers can be added either during the sauce-making step or stirred in with the pasta before baking. They will add flavor and nutrients without overwhelming the dish.

8. How do I make Chicken Tetrazzini spicier?

For a spicy kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or some diced jalapeños for a more noticeable heat. You can also sprinkle some hot sauce on top before serving for a punch of spice.

---

Conclusion

Chicken Tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, creamy sauce with tender chicken and pasta. It’s versatile, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding your family, prepping for a party, or looking for a cozy meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. It’s simple to customize, so feel free to add your own personal touches. After all, there’s nothing better than a warm dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

---

Print