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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
- 16 ounces linguini, cooked according to package directions
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
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.