Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

The Creamiest Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Chicken tetrazzini bursts with creamy comfort that surprises every pasta enthusiast.

Layers of tender chicken and noodles create a delightful culinary experience.

Pasta lovers appreciate the rich, velvety sauce blending perfectly with delicate mushrooms.

We’ll explore a simple method to craft this classic Italian-American dish.

Hearty ingredients come together in a casserole that feels like a warm embrace.

Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and flavors.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

FAQs About Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute linguini with other pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with the sauce.

  • Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat sour cream, and part-skim mozzarella cheese. You can also add more vegetables to increase nutritional value.

Reasons to Try Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Conquer Comfort Cuisine: This chicken tetrazzini transforms classic comfort food into a delightful, creamy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
  • Simplify Meal Prep: With just a few straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can create a delicious casserole that requires minimal kitchen skills and delivers maximum flavor.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with tender chicken, melted cheeses, and creamy sauce, this recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies both kids and adults with its crowd-pleasing combination.
  • Quick and Hearty Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a substantial meal that comes together quickly, this one-pan wonder provides a complete dinner without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Protein-rich meat that forms the base of this hearty casserole.
  • Linguini: Classic pasta that provides the main starch and texture to the dish.
Dairy Components:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a creamy, melty topping for the casserole.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes to the rich and creamy sauce texture.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Chicken Broth: Create a smooth, flavorful base for the casserole sauce.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the sauce ingredients together.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Instructions for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together these delightful ingredients:
  • Melted butter
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Sour cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Blend everything until smooth and velvety.

Step 3: Incorporate Tender Chicken

Toss in your cooked, chopped chicken and stir thoroughly so every piece gets coated with the luscious sauce.

Step 4: Mix Pasta Into Sauce

Pour your cooked linguini into the bowl and gently toss until the pasta is completely embraced by the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Transfer To Baking Dish

Carefully transfer the pasta and sauce combination into a 9×13 inch glass baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese across the casserole, then crown it with grated parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Allow the tetrazzini to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors settle and the sauce set.

Pro Tips to Nail Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Shred Chicken Perfectly: Use rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for maximum flavor and easy preparation.
  • Prevent Soggy Pasta: Slightly undercook linguini before mixing with sauce to maintain a firm texture when baking.
  • Boost Cheese Flavor: Mix mozzarella and parmesan for a richer, more complex cheese profile that elevates the dish.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Add chicken broth gradually to achieve desired creaminess without making the casserole too runny.
  • Make It Lighter: Substitute low-fat cream of chicken soup and sour cream for a healthier version without compromising taste.

Variation Ideas for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Vegetarian Tetrazzini: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular linguini with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Seafood Transformation: Substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat, adding a light seafood flavor profile to the classic casserole.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese to give the dish a Greek-inspired Mediterranean character.

Pairing Suggestions for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a light, unoaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering the delicate chicken flavors, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
  • Serve with Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Prepare simple roasted broccoli with garlic and olive oil to add a green vegetable side that cuts through the dish's richness and provides a nutritious balance.
  • Enhance with Crusty Herb Bread: Slice a fresh French baguette or artisan bread to soak up the creamy sauce, offering a delightful textural contrast and extra flavor dimension to the meal.

Storage Tips for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
  • Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
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Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mouthwatering chicken tetrazzini brings creamy Italian-American comfort straight to dinner tables with rich pasta and tender chicken. Savory sauce and perfectly baked cheese create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) linguini, cooked according to package directions
  • 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
  • 2 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cans cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups (454 grams) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth or stock
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Craft a creamy, comforting sauce by whisking together melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-blended.
  2. Fold the pre-cooked, diced chicken into the velvety sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the rich mixture.
  3. Gently incorporate the cooked linguini into the sauce, tossing carefully to guarantee even distribution of flavors throughout the pasta.
  4. Carefully transfer the luxurious pasta blend into a 9×13 inch glass baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
  5. Generously blanket the casserole with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, creating a gooey base, then crown with a sprinkle of grated parmesan for added depth and texture.
  6. Slide the prepared dish into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing it to bake for 40 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust and the edges become delightfully effervescent.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and the temperature to become more manageable before serving.

Notes

  • Customize protein choices by swapping chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for dietary preferences and variety.
  • Reduce calories by using low-fat cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and part-skim mozzarella cheese.
  • Create gluten-free version by replacing regular linguini with gluten-free pasta and checking soup ingredients for wheat-based thickeners.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic to the sauce mixture for deeper taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 712 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 43 g
  • Saturated Fat: 24 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 48 g
  • Cholesterol: 142 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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