If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, I cannot recommend this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe enough. It’s a creamy, cheesy pasta bake filled with tender chicken and a luscious sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfectly balanced with gooey mozzarella and a hint of Parmesan, this dish hits all the right notes for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Plus, it’s so straightforward to make that you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the silky cream soup base to the tender chicken and al dente pasta, you’re only a handful of ingredients away from something truly special.
- 1 (16-ounce) package linguine (or fettuccine or spaghetti): Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced: Make sure the chicken is well-cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup: This is the heart of the sauce, silky and comforting.
- 2 cups sour cream: Adds tang and richness, balancing the creaminess perfectly.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Soft butter helps the sauce coat everything evenly and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce nice and saucy without being heavy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes: Infuses the dish with savory flavor and a touch of fresh herbiness.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A little heat to keep things interesting.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Goes on top to form that irresistible stringy, melty layer everyone loves.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finish that enhances every bite.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready to cook your casserole to perfection. Meanwhile, boil your pasta until al dente—it should be tender but still have a slight bite to hold up well during baking. Drain and set it aside; this is the foundation for the dish’s satisfying texture.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened butter, chicken broth, garlic salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This sauce is where the magic happens, enveloping both chicken and pasta in silky flavor that keeps the dish moist and comforting.
Step 3: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Fold your cooked, diced chicken and pasta into the sauce. Toss everything gently until every strand and piece is coated evenly. This ensures each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein, starch, and flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Transfer your mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over the top, followed by a dusting of Parmesan cheese for that extra cheesy punch. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let flavors meld and the casserole heat through.
Step 5: Finish with a Golden Cheese Crust
After the initial bake, remove the foil and continue baking for 10 minutes. This final step creates a golden, bubbly cheese crust that is both visually appealing and deliciously crunchy, complementing the creamy layers beneath perfectly.
Step 6: Let It Rest Before Serving
Allow your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe to cool for 5 minutes once out of the oven. This brief rest helps the casserole set slightly, making it easier to serve and intensifying the comforting flavors with every bite.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh garnish like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can brighten the dish beautifully. These little touches bring a pop of color and freshness that balances the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
Light, crisp sides like a simple green salad with vinaigrette or steamed broccoli work wonderfully alongside this hearty pasta bake. They add texture and a refreshing contrast, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve individual portions in ramekins topped with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a sprig of fresh herbs. This elevates the presentation and makes the mealtime feel all the more inviting and thoughtful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy weeks.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it—wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. It can be stored for up to 2 months, ready to be baked fresh whenever you need a comforting meal.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated or thawed leftovers, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, uncovered, until heated through and bubbly again. This method keeps the cheese beautifully melted and the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time without compromising the dish’s deliciousness.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic here for their meltability and flavor, but you can experiment with sharp cheddar or Gruyère for a different twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting sour cream with a dairy-free alternative and using dairy-free cheese, plus a suitable cream soup substitute, you can create a similar taste and texture that works for your dietary needs.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake later?
Certainly! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it super convenient for busy schedules or entertaining.
What can I do if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can make a quick homemade version using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk, thickened on the stove, to keep the flavor fresh and control ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the cozy joy of an Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe fresh from the oven. It’s a dish that brings people together with its creamy goodness and melting cheese, while being surprisingly simple to prepare. Give it a try soon—you just might find your new favorite comfort food to cherish forever.
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Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting baked pasta casserole featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce made with cream of chicken soup and sour cream, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked to golden bubbly perfection, this hearty dish is ideal for family dinners and serves 8 with its rich and satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16-ounce) package linguine, or fettuccine or spaghetti
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
Sauce
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the tetrazzini.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened butter, chicken broth, garlic salt with parsley flakes, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and diced chicken breasts into the sauce mixture. Toss gently to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into it, spreading evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breasts from leftover roasted or grilled chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor better than pre-grated options.
- For extra vegetables, consider sautéed mushrooms or peas added to the sauce mixture before baking.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
