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There’s nothing better than a warm, cheesy pasta dish on a chilly evening, and Chicken Tetrazzini is the perfect comfort food. This classic recipe is creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken and pasta, all baked to golden perfection.

It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with mouthwatering smells and brings everyone to the table in a hurry.

If you’ve never tried Chicken Tetrazzini before, think of it as a classic combination of chicken Alfredo and baked spaghetti. It has a creamy sauce, plenty of cheese, and a crispy topping that adds just the right amount of crunch.

Plus, it’s an easy way to use up leftover chicken or turkey, making it a great choice for a weeknight meal or after the holidays when you have extra meat on hand.

What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is. You can add mushrooms, peas, or even a little spice if you like to mix things up.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, Chicken Tetrazzini is always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Cheesy – The rich, cheesy sauce makes every bite irresistible.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients come together quickly for a delicious baked dish.
Perfect for Leftovers – A great way to use up extra chicken or turkey.

Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this comforting meal.
Customizable – Add veggies, swap the pasta, or make it spicier to fit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Tetrazzini:

12 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of choice)

3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover works great)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp Italian seasoning

For the Topping:

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp melted butter

This ingredient list ensures a perfectly creamy and flavorful Chicken Tetrazzini with a crispy, cheesy topping.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before you start cooking, make sure you have everything you need:

Large pot – For boiling the pasta.
Large skillet or saucepan – To make the creamy sauce.
Whisk – Helps mix the sauce smoothly.

Baking dish (9×13 inches) – For baking the tetrazzini.
Mixing spoon or spatula – For stirring everything together.
Cheese grater – If using fresh Parmesan or mozzarella.

Measuring cups and spoons – To get the right ingredient amounts.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente (firm but tender). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened about 3 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and mushrooms (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to coat everything.
Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Then add the heavy cream, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Stir and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Step 3: Add Chicken, Cheese, and Pasta

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Add the cooked chicken and cooked pasta, tossing everything together until evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the pasta mixture into it.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.

Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini!

More Recipes >>>>>>> Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Tips and Tricks for Success

Don’t overcook the pasta – Since it will be baked in the oven, cook it just until al dente to prevent it from getting mushy.

Use rotisserie chicken – It’s a time-saver and adds extra flavor!
Make it ahead – Assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Customize it – Add peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients. You can also swap the chicken for turkey or even shrimp.

Make it crunchy – For an even crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Freeze for later – This dish freezes well! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Pasta: Swap spaghetti for fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rotini for a different texture.

Chicken: Instead of rotisserie or leftover chicken, you can use turkey (great for post-holiday meals) or even cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
Dairy Alternatives: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier flavor, or swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
Cheese: Feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Swiss instead of mozzarella.

Vegetables: Add spinach, bell peppers, or peas for extra nutrients and color.
Breadcrumbs: Swap panko for crushed crackers or omit the topping for a lower-carb option.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch (mix with cold water before adding).

Serving Suggestions

With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for balance.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts complement this rich dish.

Wine Pairing: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy flavors.
Family-Style: Serve directly from the baking dish for a cozy, comforting meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed.

Reheating:

Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

FAQ

Q: Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?

A: Yes! Assemble the dish (without the breadcrumb topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the topping just before baking.

Q: Can I use canned soup instead of making the sauce from scratch?

A: Yes, you can substitute the homemade sauce with a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup mixed with 1 cup of milk or broth.

Q: How do I prevent my Tetrazzini from drying out?

A: Ensure you don’t overbake it. Also, adding a bit of extra broth or cream before reheating helps keep it moist.

Q: Can I make this dish without mushrooms?

A: Absolutely! Simply leave them out, or replace them with another vegetable like spinach or bell peppers.

Q: What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

A: Add a little more chicken broth or milk while stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.

Chicken Tetrazzini is the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and comforting. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite! Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how it turns out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!

Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini

If you’ve never tried Chicken Tetrazzini before, think of it as the ultimate combination of chicken Alfredo and baked spaghetti. It has a creamy sauce, plenty of cheese, and a crispy topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. Plus, it’s an easy way to use up leftover chicken or turkey, making it a great choice for a weeknight meal or after the holidays when you have extra meat on hand.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American-Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

Large pot

Large Skillet or Saucepan
Whisk
Baking dish (9×13 inches)

Mixing spoon or spatula
Cheese grater
Measuring cups and spoons