There's something absolutely heartwarming about a bubbling casserole that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and brings the whole family together around the Dinner table. This Chicken Tetrazzini transforms simple ingredients into a rich, creamy pasta dish that's pure comfort food magic.
Whether you're using leftover chicken from Sunday dinner or starting fresh, this classic American casserole delivers layers of tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a luscious cream sauce topped with golden cheese that creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every satisfying forkful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe brings all the comfort of a home-cooked meal with incredible convenience and consistently delicious results every single time. The creamy, rich sauce combined with tender pasta and juicy chicken creates a satisfying dish that pleases both kids and adults throughout any season.
It's wonderfully versatile, working perfectly for Sunday family dinners, potluck gatherings, or meal prep sessions when you want to prepare ahead for busy weeknights. The recipe makes excellent use of leftover chicken, turkey, or rotisserie chicken, making it both economical and practical for busy families. Plus, it freezes beautifully and reheats well, so you can always have a comforting meal ready when life gets hectic and you need something reliable and nourishing.
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Ingredients
Here are the simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create this beloved comfort food classic. Most of these pantry staples and common items are probably already waiting in your kitchen.
Customize servings easily using the recipe card.
Essential Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
Feel free to customize with bell peppers, celery, or herbs like thyme and parsley for extra flavor depth. Some families love adding a sprinkle of paprika or red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta Foundation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later. The pasta will continue cooking slightly in the oven, so undercooking it slightly prevents mushiness.
Prepare the Vegetable Base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, approximately 8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Create the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and white wine if using, ensuring no lumps form. Simmer the sauce until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly.
Can you make chicken tetrazzini ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, sautéed vegetables, frozen peas, and cream sauce in a large bowl, mixing gently until everything is well coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with both cheeses, and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling beautifully.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Temperature control and timing are crucial for achieving the perfect texture and preventing a watery or dry casserole.
Cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven during baking.
Make sure your cream sauce is thick enough to coat the pasta well, as it will thin slightly during baking.
For the richest flavor, use homemade chicken broth and freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set properly before serving.
If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Storage Instructions
Store leftover chicken tetrazzini covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, reheating individual portions in the microwave or covering the entire dish and warming in a 350°F oven until heated through. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results and food safety.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken tetrazzini pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Serve it alongside roasted asparagus, green beans, or a simple Caesar salad to balance the richness of the creamy pasta. It's perfect for Sunday family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to create a memorable meal that brings everyone together. My family loves it with crusty French bread and a light white wine for special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute different types of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or egg noodles work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package directions and ensure you don't overcook since it bakes further.
What's the best way to use rotisserie chicken?
Remove the skin and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and saves significant time while adding great flavor to the finished dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, though the flavor and texture will be different from the traditional version.
Why did my sauce turn out lumpy?
This usually happens when the roux isn't cooked long enough or when liquid is added too quickly. Always whisk constantly and add liquids gradually while cooking the flour mixture thoroughly first.
More Delicious Comfort Food Casseroles
If you're craving more hearty casseroles that warm the soul, these recipes deliver incredible comfort with simple preparation techniques:
Want more pasta comfort? The baked ziti recipe is cheesy, saucy, and always a hit.
Whipped this up already? Show it off on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - your version might inspire someone!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe:
Chicken Tetrazzini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente to ensure it holds its shape during baking.
- Sauté onion in olive oil until translucent, then add mushrooms until golden brown.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until the aroma becomes fragrant.
- Whisk flour into melted butter and cook specifically to remove the raw flour taste.
- Simmer broth, cream, and wine with the roux until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Mix pasta, chicken, vegetables, and sauce gently in a large bowl to coat everything evenly.
- Bake the assembled dish topped with cheese at 350°F until golden and bubbling.
- Rest the casserole for 10 minutes so the sauce sets properly before serving.
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