Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe: Comfort Food Magic in Minutes

Chicken tetrazzini offers a comforting culinary adventure that revamps ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Creamy, decadent layers blend seamlessly in this classic Italian-American casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Pasta intertwines with tender chicken pieces, creating a harmonious symphony of textures and flavors.

Busy home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without sacrificing taste or quality.

Rich sauces and delicate seasonings elevate the simple ingredients into a memorable meal that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

Weeknight dinners gain new excitement when you introduce this crowd-pleasing recipe that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Families and friends will eagerly gather, anticipating each delicious, cheesy forkful.

Reasons People Love Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Whip Up a Creamy Comfort Meal: Chicken tetrazzini delivers a luxurious, velvety sauce that hugs every strand of linguini, creating a deeply satisfying dinner experience that feels like a warm culinary embrace.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This recipe requires minimal prep work, uses convenient pantry staples like cream of chicken soup, and comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious, stress-free meal.
  • Customize with Ease: The dish welcomes creative variations like adding vegetables, swapping proteins, or experimenting with different cheese blends, allowing home cooks to personalize the recipe to their taste preferences and family's cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: With its cheesy top, tender chicken, and rich sauce, this tetrazzini appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone wants a hearty, comforting plate.

Ingredients Used in Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy protein that forms the core of the dish, best when freshly cooked and well-seasoned.
  • Chicken Broth or Stock: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the casserole, enhancing the overall taste.
Pasta and Cheese:
  • Linguini: Classic pasta that provides a soft, comforting base for the casserole, cooked to perfect tenderness.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and mild cheese that melts beautifully, creating a smooth and stretchy texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and nutty cheese that adds a rich, savory finish to the dish.
Creamy Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together, providing a golden color and smooth consistency.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Convenient base for the creamy sauce, offering a quick and flavorful binding element.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes tanginess and extra creaminess to the casserole, creating a luxurious texture.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Instructions to Cook Chicken Tetrazzini with Ease

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for a delicious comfort meal.

Step 2: Whip Up the Sauce

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Melted butter
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Sour cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything until it becomes a smooth, creamy mixture that promises deliciousness.

Step 3: Fold in the Chicken

Toss in your tender, chopped cooked chicken. Gently mix until each piece is lovingly coated with the dreamy sauce.

Step 4: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Add your perfectly cooked linguini to the bowl. Twirl and toss until the pasta is completely embraced by the sauce and chicken.

Step 5: Create the Casserole Base

Transfer your heavenly pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch glass baking dish. Spread it out evenly, creating a delectable canvas.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Shower the top with:
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Grated parmesan

Let the cheese create a golden, mouth-watering blanket.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden wonderland.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to dance together and makes serving a breeze.

Enjoy your comforting meal that’s sure to bring smiles and warm hearts!

Cooking Tips for Creamy and Savory Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Shred Chicken Perfectly: Use two forks to pull apart warm, freshly cooked chicken for the most tender and evenly sized pieces.
  • Prevent Dry Pasta: Cook linguini just until al dente to avoid mushy texture when baking, as the pasta will continue cooking in the sauce.
  • Layer Cheese Strategically: Combine mozzarella and parmesan for a richer, more complex cheese flavor that browns beautifully on top.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

Storing and Reheating Tips for Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken tetrazzini in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Microwave Option: Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent the pasta from becoming tough.

Foods That Go Well with Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Pair this creamy chicken tetrazzini with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light wines cut through the richness of the dish, providing a zesty and refreshing contrast.
  • Add Fresh Green Salad: Create a bright side of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette. The crisp, acidic salad balances the creamy pasta and adds a nutritious element to the meal.
  • Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside simple roasted broccoli or asparagus. The caramelized, slightly charred vegetables provide a delightful textural contrast and earthy flavors that enhance the chicken tetrazzini's creamy profile.
  • Serve with Garlic Bread: Include a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The crusty, herbaceous bread adds a satisfying crunch and helps complete the comfort food experience.

Simple Swaps and Variations for Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or a mix of seafood like crab and scallops for an ocean-inspired version of the classic dish.
  • Vegetarian Victory: Swap chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based alternative.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace mozzarella with pepper jack cheese to give the dish a zesty, southwestern kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
  • Mediterranean Makeover: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh basil to transform the recipe into a Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience.
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Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Classic chicken tetrazzini delivers comfort and nostalgia in one creamy, cheesy casserole. Savory pasta, tender chicken, and a silky sauce invite you to savor each delightful, hearty bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

Pasta and Seasonings:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) linguini, cooked according to package directions
  • 2 cans (10.5 ounces or 298 grams each) cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup (118 milliliters) chicken broth or stock
  • ½ cup (113 grams) butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the creamy pasta dish.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, whisk together the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, savory chicken broth, and seasonings until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
  3. Gently fold the pre-cooked, diced chicken into the velvety sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with the rich, creamy mixture.
  4. Introduce the cooked linguini to the saucy ensemble, carefully tossing and intertwining the pasta strands until they are thoroughly enrobed in the flavorful coating.
  5. Smoothly transfer the luxurious pasta medley into a rectangular glass baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer that promises delectable bites.
  6. Lavishly scatter shredded mozzarella across the surface, followed by a delicate dusting of grated parmesan, which will melt into a golden, crispy topping.
  7. Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven and allow it to bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, bronzed blanket and the sauce begins to simmer enticingly.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest momentarily, allowing the flavors to meld and settle, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Leftover chicken transforms into a creamy, comforting casserole that saves time and reduces food waste.
  • Mozzarella and parmesan create a golden, crispy cheese topping that adds delicious texture and rich flavor.
  • Prepare ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and make weeknight dinner a breeze.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 870 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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