Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic American-Italian fusion dish, known for its creamy, comforting texture and combination of chicken, pasta, and mushrooms in a cheesy sauce. Despite its Italian-sounding name, the dish is named after Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini, but it was created in the United States. Traditionally, it’s baked as a casserole, making it an ideal comfort food for family dinners and gatherings.

Why this Recipe is “Easy”: The “easy” version of Chicken Tetrazzini simplifies the dish by utilizing common pantry ingredients such as canned cream of chicken and mushroom soups, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, and pre-shredded cheese. These shortcuts help busy home cooks prepare the meal with minimal effort while still achieving that creamy and delicious flavor. The ease of preparation, combined with its rich taste, makes this recipe a perfect weeknight dinner choice for busy families.

Essential Ingredients: The key ingredients of Easy Chicken Tetrazzini include:

Chicken (usually boneless, skinless breasts or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken)
Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)

Canned cream of chicken and mushroom soups
Sour cream
Button or cremini mushrooms

Shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses

These ingredients combine to create a creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole dish.

Popular Variations:

Swap Chicken with Turkey: You can easily replace chicken with turkey, especially if you have leftovers from a holiday meal.
Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the chicken and use additional vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach. You can also use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a flavorful vegetarian twist.
Adding More Vegetables: Frozen peas, broccoli, or spinach are common additions to boost the nutritional value of the dish.

Cheese and Pasta Variations: While mozzarella is a go-to cheese, you can experiment with cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack for added flavor. Similarly, any long pasta can be used, such as fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta alternatives.

Why It’s a Family Favorite

Chicken Tetrazzini is a family favorite because of its versatility, heartiness, and ability to serve a crowd. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta appeal to both adults and children alike, making it a universally beloved dish. It can be easily adapted to different tastes and dietary needs, which adds to its appeal.

Moreover, this recipe is budget-friendly and easy to make in large batches, perfect for feeding a family or storing leftovers for later in the week. The casserole can be prepared ahead of time, which makes it convenient for busy families who want a delicious homemade meal without the stress of last-minute cooking. Overall, the dish is a comfort food staple, offering warmth and satisfaction, especially during colder months.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Prepping the Ingredients:

Cook the pasta: Boil your choice of pasta (typically spaghetti or linguine) until it’s just al dente. It’s important not to overcook the pasta at this stage, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Prepare the chicken: If you’re using rotisserie chicken or leftovers, simply shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. For fresh chicken breasts, season them and either bake, grill, or pan-fry until fully cooked, then shred or chop.

Sauté the vegetables: Sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter until the mushrooms are golden and tender, which adds depth of flavor.

Cooking the Sauce:

Create the base: Combine the canned cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in sour cream and chicken broth (or white wine) to create a rich and creamy sauce.

Season: Add salt, pepper, and any other seasonings like thyme or parsley to enhance the flavor.

Combining and Baking:

Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy sauce together until the pasta and chicken are well-coated.

Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Final Steps:

Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Essential Tips for Best Results

Pasta Tips:

Be sure to slightly undercook the pasta before baking to prevent it from becoming mushy. Cooking it al dente ensures the pasta maintains a nice texture after it’s baked.

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture:

The combination of canned soups, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy texture. For an extra creamy dish, you can add cream cheese or extra sour cream.

Enhancing Flavor:

Sautéing mushrooms and onions in butter before adding them to the sauce gives the dish more depth.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten up the flavors.

Cheese Choices:

While mozzarella is preferred for its meltability, sharper cheeses like cheddar or Colby Jack can provide a more pronounced flavor. Mixing different cheeses adds complexity to the dish.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Making Ahead:

This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Freezing:

To freeze, assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the recipe instructions.

Reheating:

For leftovers, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes). You can also microwave individual portions, though this may result in a softer texture.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Best Side Dishes:

To complement the richness of Chicken Tetrazzini, consider serving it with lighter sides:
- Garlic bread adds a crunchy, flavorful contrast.
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts balance out the creaminess with their earthy flavors.
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette provides a refreshing acidity to cut through the richness of the dish.

Portioning and Storage:

This casserole serves about 6-8 people. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.

FAQs Section

What pasta works best for Chicken Tetrazzini?

Long pasta such as linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine works best because it mixes well with the sauce and holds its shape after baking. Short pasta like penne or rigatoni can be used, but may not achieve the traditional texture.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! Turkey is a great alternative, especially after holidays. Ham or even cooked shrimp can also work well in this dish.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and substitute it with extra mushrooms or a mix of vegetables like peas, broccoli, or spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors balanced.

Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use homemade versions of cream of chicken and mushroom soups or gluten-free alternatives available in stores.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Ensure there’s enough sauce to thoroughly coat the pasta and chicken. Cover the casserole with foil during the first half of baking to retain moisture, removing it only towards the end to brown the cheese.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Author: Munil

Print Recipe

Description

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting, creamy casserole that blends tender pasta, succulent chicken, mushrooms, and a rich sauce made from cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan. This classic American-Italian dish is baked to golden perfection, with a bubbly cheesy top that adds both flavor and texture. It’s the perfect meal for busy families because it uses simple, readily available ingredients, and it can be made ahead or frozen for later. The recipe’s flexibility allows for various substitutions, like using turkey, adding vegetables, or switching up the types of cheese, making it both versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Add the cooked, chopped chicken to the bowl and mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.

Pour the cooked linguini into the mixing bowl and toss until the pasta is fully incorporated into the sauce.

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9×13 inch glass baking dish.

Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the casserole, then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Ingredient Variations:
- Swap chicken with turkey or omit it for a vegetarian option.
- Add frozen peas, broccoli, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Try different pasta shapes or cheeses, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, to modify the flavor profile.
Time-Saving Tips:
- Use rotisserie chicken to save cooking time.
- Opt for pre-sliced mushrooms and pre-shredded cheese to further cut down on prep time.
Make-Ahead and Storage:
- The dish can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- It also freezes well for up to three months, making it a convenient option for meal planning or busy weeknights.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Serve with garlic bread and roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
- A light green salad with vinaigrette pairs well to cut through the dish’s richness.