Looking for a creamy, comforting dish that the whole family will love? This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic American pasta casserole made with tender pieces of chicken, mushrooms, spaghetti, and a rich, creamy sauce. Everything gets baked together until bubbly and golden, making it a warm, hearty meal that’s great for leftovers too. The best part? This recipe is simple to follow and uses everyday ingredients, so you can whip it up with minimal effort. Let’s dive into this creamy, cheesy, and delicious pasta bake that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.

What Is Chicken Tetrazzini?

Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy pasta casserole made with shredded chicken, mushrooms, spaghetti (or other pasta), and a rich, cheesy sauce. The dish is typically baked until golden and bubbly, creating a comforting and hearty meal. While the exact origins of Tetrazzini are debated, it’s named after the famous Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini, and has become a beloved dish in American home kitchens. It’s versatile, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients List for Chicken Tetrazzini

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini:

For the Chicken and Pasta:

2-3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
12 oz spaghetti (or any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine)
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoon olive oil or butter for sautéing
½ cup chicken broth

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for a subtle warm flavor)

For Topping:

½ cup breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesy goodness)
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this Chicken Tetrazzini recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

Protein options: You can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey (especially great for Thanksgiving leftovers!), ham, or even shrimp.
Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables, like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli, for a veggie-packed tetrazzini.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and swap out the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour to make this dish gluten-free.
Cheese options: You can swap the Parmesan for Gruyère or cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile. For a stronger flavor, add some blue cheese or goat cheese.
Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or omit the cream entirely and stick with milk for a lighter sauce.
No mushrooms: If you're not a fan of mushrooms, you can leave them out or replace them with another vegetable like zucchini or peas.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy, cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini step by step:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti (or your pasta of choice) according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the mushrooms are golden and the garlic is fragrant.
Add ½ cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the liquid reduces slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a separate large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using). Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl (or in the pot used for the pasta), combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, sautéed mushrooms and onions, and the creamy sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.

Step 5: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan (and mozzarella if using) over the top of the casserole for a crispy, cheesy finish.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the Chicken Tetrazzini in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
If you want an extra crispy topping, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Cook Chicken Tetrazzini: A Step-by-Step Guide

By following the detailed instructions above, you’ll have a delicious, hearty Chicken Tetrazzini ready in no time. The creamy sauce, savory chicken, and tender pasta come together beautifully in the oven, with a crunchy, cheesy topping that adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you're making this dish for a family dinner or a potluck, it's sure to be a hit!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Chicken Tetrazzini turns out perfect every time, avoid these common mistakes:

Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when you bake the casserole. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the oven.
Not seasoning enough: Make sure to taste and season the sauce well. The pasta and chicken will absorb a lot of the flavor, so it’s important that the sauce is flavorful before combining everything.
Skipping the roux: Don’t skip the step of cooking the flour in butter when making the sauce. This forms the base of the creamy sauce and ensures it’s thick and smooth.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting, hearty dish, but you can elevate it with the right presentation and sides. Here are a few ideas:

Serve with fresh greens: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
Add garlic bread: A slice of crispy garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to mop up the creamy sauce.
Garnish with herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds color and freshness to the dish.

How to Serve Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken Tetrazzini is best served hot and fresh from the oven. Plate each serving with a spoonful of extra sauce from the casserole dish and sprinkle a little more Parmesan or parsley on top for a beautiful presentation. Pair it with a light green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Tetrazzini

While Chicken Tetrazzini is a rustic dish, you can still make it look beautiful on the table:

Family-style: Serve the Tetrazzini in the baking dish at the table for a warm, cozy family dinner.
Individual servings: For a more elegant presentation, portion the Tetrazzini into individual ramekins or small casserole dishes and bake them that way.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top before serving for a vibrant, colorful touch.

Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your Chicken Tetrazzini turns out perfectly:

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful and perfect for shredding into the casserole.
Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it with foil and bake as directed.
Freeze for later: This dish freezes well. Assemble the Tetrazzini, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes of bake time if it's cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?

Absolutely! You can freeze the entire casserole before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

What sides go well with Chicken Tetrazzini?

Chicken Tetrazzini is rich and creamy, so pairing it with light, fresh sides like a green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli works perfectly. Garlic bread is also a classic pairing!

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy pasta, tender chicken, and a crispy, cheesy topping. It’s a simple dish to prepare, perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or even meal prep. With just a few easy steps and common ingredients, you can have a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal ready in no time. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of Chicken Tetrazzini tonight!