Heavenly Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe: Family Favorite

Creamy chicken tetrazzini stands as a beloved comfort dish that changes ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Italian-inspired pasta combines with tender poultry in a luxurious sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Hearty and indulgent, this classic recipe brings warmth to any dining table with its rich, silky texture.

Sophisticated yet approachable, the dish appeals to home cooks seeking a delightful meal that impresses without overwhelming.

Layers of complex flavors meld together, creating a harmonious blend of creamy, savory goodness that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Pasta lovers and protein enthusiasts will appreciate the balanced combination of ingredients that make this recipe truly special.

Fall in love with a meal that promises comfort, elegance, and pure deliciousness.

Why Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Feels Like Cozy Comfort Food

• Create Creamy Comfort: This recipe delivers ultimate comfort food with its rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken, perfect for satisfying hunger and warming souls on chilly evenings.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, this one-dish wonder transforms ordinary ingredients into an impressive meal that requires little kitchen effort and cleanup.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Multiple cheese varieties create a golden, bubbly topping that adds irresistible flavor and texture, making each bite a delightful blend of melted, gooey goodness.
• Kid and Adult Approved: The familiar ingredients and creamy consistency make this dish universally appealing, ensuring both picky eaters and sophisticated palates will enjoy a hearty, delicious meal together.

Everything You’ll Need for Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini

• Seasoned Cooked Chicken: Tender protein that adds substantial flavor and texture to the dish.
• Thin Spaghetti: Classic pasta base that provides hearty foundation for the creamy casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Rich base that creates smooth, comforting sauce with deep poultry undertones.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds earthy depth and additional creaminess to the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Introduces tangy richness and helps create silky, velvety texture.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Enhances overall chicken flavor and helps maintain proper sauce consistency.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide gooey, stretchy topping with sharp and mild flavor profiles.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty note and helps create golden, crispy top layer.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance overall dish flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, aromatic background flavor without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Frozen Peas: Adds sweet, bright green color and fresh vegetable element.
• Melted Butter: Contributes rich flavor and helps bind ingredients together.
• Fresh Chopped Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh color and mild herbal note.

Making Chicken Tetrazzini That’s Creamy and Crowd-Pleasing

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to keep things from sticking.

Step 2: Whip Together the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Melted butter
• Chicken broth

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until everything dances together smoothly.

Step 3: Toss in the Good Stuff

• Frozen peas
• Cooked chicken pieces
• Perfectly cooked spaghetti

Swirl everything around so each strand gets a luxurious sauce coating.

Step 4: Prep for Baking

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly like you’re tucking the pasta into a cozy blanket.

Step 5: Shower with Cheese

• Shredded mozzarella
• Shredded cheddar
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake another 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the dish chill for 5-10 minutes after pulling from the oven. Scatter some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tips to Get Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Just Right

• Perfectly Prevent Soggy Pasta: Cook spaghetti just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the sauce and oven, keeping its texture firm and delicious.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set, creating a more cohesive and rich taste experience.
• Smart Cheese Melting Technique: Mix different cheese varieties for a more complex flavor profile and ensure even melting by grating them freshly instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
• Boost Protein and Nutrition: Substitute rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for a quick preparation and added depth of flavor beyond basic boiled chicken.
• Customize Your Casserole: Experiment with adding sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon bits, or different herbs like thyme or rosemary to personalize the classic chicken tetrazzini recipe.

Best Storage Tips for Chicken Tetrazzini Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken tetrazzini in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers, where they'll maintain quality for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated tetrazzini in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Add a splash of chicken broth if the pasta seems dry to help restore its creamy texture.

What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Grab a chardonnay or pinot grigio to balance the creamy, rich flavors of the chicken tetrazzini. The wine's acidity cuts through the dish's heaviness, creating a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy greens provide a perfect counterpoint to the hearty pasta, adding brightness and nutritional balance.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or broccoli with olive oil and garlic. These vegetables add vibrant color, nutritional depth, and a slight crunch that enhances the soft texture of the tetrazzini.
• Match with Light Craft Beer: Choose a wheat beer or mild pale ale. Its subtle hoppy notes and carbonation help cleanse the palate between creamy bites, making each mouthful feel fresh and enjoyable.

Variations on the Classic Chicken Tetrazzini

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with a mix of shrimp, crab, and scallops for an ocean-inspired version that brings coastal flavors to your table.
• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Swap chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, using vegetable broth to maintain a rich, creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap half the mozzarella with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired casserole that packs a flavorful punch.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free spaghetti and substitute cream soups with homemade alternatives to make this classic dish accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Chicken tetrazzini brings comfort and elegance to pasta lovers seeking a classic Italian-American casserole. Luxurious cream sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly al dente pasta create a harmonious dish you will savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 lb seasoned cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
• 1 lb thin spaghetti, cooked al dente

Cheese and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups sour cream
• ½ cup melted butter

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 10 ounces cream of chicken soup
• 10 ounces cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup frozen peas
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Initiate the culinary process by heating the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F. Carefully coat a rectangular baking vessel with a thin layer of cooking spray to ensure effortless serving.
2. Craft a luxurious sauce base by whisking together creamy condensed soups, tangy sour cream, liquefied butter, and aromatic chicken broth. Enhance the mixture with a delicate blend of seasonings, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
3. Transform the sauce into a complete dish by incorporating tender, shredded chicken, softened spaghetti strands, and vibrant green peas. Gently fold the ingredients, ensuring each morsel is lovingly enrobed in the creamy mixture.
4. Seamlessly transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, distributing the contents evenly to guarantee consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
5. Elevate the dish’s decadence by generously scattering a trio of cheeses across the surface – mozzarella’s softness, cheddar’s sharpness, and Parmesan’s nutty undertones creating a golden, tempting topping.
6. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and nestle it into the preheated oven. Allow the casserole to bake, developing deep, melded flavors for approximately 30 minutes.
7. Uncover the dish, allowing the cheese to transform into a glistening, bronzed crust during the final cooking phase. Continue baking until the edges bubble and the top achieves a gorgeous golden hue.
8. Remove from the oven and permit the tetrazzini to rest, allowing flavors to settle and sauce to slightly thicken. Sprinkle fresh parsley as a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Cleanup trick saves time by mixing sauce ingredients in the same large bowl used for combining everything.
• Grated cheeses melt more evenly when sprinkled from multiple angles across the casserole surface.
• Letting the dish rest after baking allows flavors to settle and makes cutting into perfect portions much easier.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg