Quick & Creamy Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe Everyone Will Love

Whipping up a delightful chicken tetrazzini that makes dinner feel effortless and special.

Creamy pasta strands intertwine with tender chicken pieces in this classic comfort dish.

Weeknight meals can suddenly become something magical with such a simple yet impressive recipe.

Pasta lovers and busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together.

The combination of rich sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and juicy chicken creates a harmonious blend of flavors.

Mushrooms and herbs add unexpected depth to this crowd-pleasing classic.

Trust you’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible culinary creation.

Why Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Is Creamy And Filling

• Whip Up Creamy Comfort: This chicken tetrazzini delivers rich, velvety sauce that hugs every pasta strand, creating a deeply satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.
• Master Quick Weeknight Magic: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can transform basic chicken and pasta into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy families.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: The recipe welcomes creative tweaks like adding mushrooms, experimenting with different cheeses, or incorporating extra vegetables, making it a flexible crowd-pleaser for diverse taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Cheesy Delight: Multiple cheese varieties (Parmesan and mozzarella) create irresistible golden, melty layers that guarantee smiles around the dinner table, appealing to both kids and adults.

What You’ll Need For Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: Delicious base for the casserole, providing hearty texture and substance. Choose spaghetti or linguine for best results.

• Shredded Chicken, Chicken Broth: Tender protein that adds rich flavor and makes the dish satisfying. Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty components that create delicious golden topping. Select freshly grated cheese for better melting.

Sauce Ingredients:

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Sour Cream: Smooth, rich ingredients that create a luxurious sauce base. Opt for full-fat versions for maximum flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that provide depth and aroma. Fresh ingredients offer the best taste.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and complement the dish. Use freshly ground pepper for more intense taste.

Optional and Supporting Ingredients:

• Mushrooms, Fresh Parsley: Optional ingredients that add extra texture and fresh garnish. Select fresh, firm mushrooms when including.

• Flour: Helps create smooth, consistent sauce texture. All-purpose flour works perfectly.

How To Bake Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Step By Step

Step 1: Prep Your Pasta Paradise

Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Cook pasta until it’s perfectly tender. Drain and set aside. Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Craft A Magical Sauce Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until they become soft and fragrant. If you’re a mushroom lover, add sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re wonderfully tender.

Step 3: Transform The Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes gloriously smooth.

Step 4: Boost The Flavor Profile

• Sour cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Fold in half the Parmesan cheese until it melts completely.

Step 5: Mix Chicken And Pasta

Combine cooked pasta with shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy sauce over everything, tossing until each piece is luxuriously coated.

Step 6: Build Your Casserole Masterpiece

• Remaining Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve And Celebrate

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Tips For Creamy Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect texture in your final dish.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let cheese come to room temperature before adding to the sauce for smoother, more even melting and better incorporation.
• Chicken Choice: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for a quick flavor boost and easier preparation.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly.

How To Store And Reheat Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chicken tetrazzini into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Ensure to label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350F, cover the dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
• Microwave Option: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Sides That Match Well With Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

• Sip Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy, rich texture of chicken tetrazzini with their light, refreshing notes that cut through the dish's heaviness.
• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a bright green salad with mixed arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness and add a zesty contrast.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm, toasted Italian bread with garlic butter provides a delightful crunch and helps soak up the delicious creamy sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Enjoy Sparkling Water with Citrus: A chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime cleanses the palate between bites and offers a light, refreshing accompaniment to this hearty pasta dish.

Variations To Try With Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

• Seafood Medley Tetrazzini: Replace chicken with a mix of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat for an elegant seafood version that brings ocean flavors to the classic dish.
• Vegetarian Garden Tetrazzini: Swap chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, adding extra protein through plant-based alternatives such as tofu or tempeh.
• Spicy Southwest Tetrazzini: Incorporate jalapeños, green chiles, and pepper jack cheese to give the recipe a vibrant Mexican-inspired kick with added heat and complexity.
• Mediterranean Herb Tetrazzini: Enhance the dish with sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and a blend of Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil for a regional culinary experience.

FAQs About Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

• What makes chicken tetrazzini different from other pasta dishes?

Chicken tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting casserole that combines pasta, chicken, and a rich sauce, uniquely blending Italian-American culinary styles with a creamy, cheesy finish that sets it apart from traditional pasta recipes.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect time-saving option that adds delicious, pre-cooked flavor to the dish. Simply shred the chicken and mix it into the recipe as directed.

• Is chicken tetrazzini kid-friendly?

Yes! This dish is typically a crowd-pleaser for children. Its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and mild flavors make it an excellent meal for picky eaters who enjoy comfort food.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can easily adapt the recipe by using gluten-free pasta and substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken tetrazzini brings Italian-American pasta magic straight to dinner tables with creamy, cheesy goodness. Savory layers of tender chicken, pasta, and rich sauce create a hearty meal that promises pure satisfaction for hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Pasta:

• 3 cups chicken, shredded or diced
• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup unsalted butter

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

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Instructions

1. Initiate oven preparation at 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with protective grease. Execute pasta cooking in generously salted water until achieving perfect tenderness, then carefully drain and reserve.
2. Activate a substantial skillet over medium thermal intensity. Introduce butter and gently transform onions and garlic into translucent, fragrant elements. Incorporate mushrooms, allowing them to release moisture and develop rich, earthy characteristics. Dust flour across the aromatic mixture, ensuring complete integration.
3. Methodically stream chicken broth and cream, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety foundation. Allow sauce to evolve and thicken, developing robust consistency through gentle simmering.
4. Enhance sauce profile by introducing sour cream, seasonings, and a portion of Parmesan, stirring until harmoniously blended and cheese melts seamlessly.
5. Transfer cooked pasta into expansive mixing vessel. Gently fold shredded chicken and prepared sauce, ensuring comprehensive coating of each pasta strand.
6. Orchestrate casserole assembly by transferring pasta mixture into prepared baking dish. Crown the creation with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella, creating an enticing cheesy landscape.
7. Position casserole within preheated oven, allowing transformation through 20-25 minutes of controlled heat. Await emergence of golden, bubbling cheese surface.
8. Extract from oven and optionally embellish with fresh parsley fragments. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Swap chicken with shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quick flavor twist and time-saving option.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories and fat content.
• Enhance vegetable nutrition by adding extra vegetables like spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers to boost the dish’s nutritional profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg