If you are craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious pasta dish, you will fall head over heels for this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe. This classic casserole brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and a luscious, cheesy sauce that bakes into bubbling, golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a breeze to prepare and absolutely delightful to dig into.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making a standout dish. Each element in this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe plays a crucial role, from the creamy sauce to the melt-in-your-mouth cheese, all harmonizing to deliver rich flavor and comforting textures.
- 1 (16-ounce) package linguine, or fettuccine or spaghetti: Choose your favorite pasta shape that holds sauce well for that perfect bite.
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced: Tender chicken provides hearty protein and a satisfying texture contrast.
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup: The creamy base of the sauce that brings warmth and depth.
- 2 cups sour cream: Adds tanginess and smoothness enhancing the overall flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: For richness and a silky sauce consistency.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Balances the creaminess with a subtle savory note.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes: Infuses the dish with aromatic garlic and fresh herb taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, golden top layer.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that perfectly complements the mozzarella.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready once your casserole is assembled. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente following package directions—this ensures it has a firm bite that won’t turn mushy in the oven. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix 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 everything together until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated, creating that rich, velvety base that defines this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked pasta and diced chicken to the bowl with your creamy sauce. Gently toss the mixture until every strand and piece is evenly coated, making sure the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly to keep the casserole from sticking. Transfer the pasta and chicken blend into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, then finish with a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Brown the Cheese
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to bubble and form a beautiful golden crust. This final touch brings out the irresistible aroma and texture that make this dish a classic crowd-pleaser.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let your chicken tetrazzini cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This pause helps everything set nicely so each serving holds together perfectly and delivers that luscious creamy texture you’re after.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or Italian seasoning adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness, balancing the richness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan can also enhance the overall flavor right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with crisp green salads like arugula tossed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a delightful contrast that keeps the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve portions in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets straight from the oven. This not only looks charming but keeps the cheesy topping warm and bubbling throughout your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making for even tastier leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked casserole before adding the cheese topping. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before topping with cheeses and baking.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the whole dish at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes until warmed through. Uncover and bake a few minutes more if you want to refresh that golden cheese crust.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken saves time and still delivers the same delicious results. Just dice it up and add it when mixing the pasta and sauce.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer homemade or something lighter, you can use a béchamel sauce or a combination of cream and chicken broth thickened with a little flour to replicate the creamy texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the traditional pasta for a gluten-free variety and ensure your canned soup and broth are gluten-free as well to enjoy this dish without worry.
How spicy is the Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting in flavor, mainly seasoned with garlic salt and pepper. You can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Can I prepare this dish without baking it?
This casserole is best when baked to achieve the golden cheesy topping and meld the flavors, but you could mix and serve it immediately for a creamy pasta dish without the crust. Just note the texture and warmth will be different.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to produce a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of familiar flavors, perfect for sharing with loved ones. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon—you might just find a new family favorite to add to your dinner rotation!
Print
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is a creamy, comforting pasta casserole made with tender chicken, a savory sour cream and cream of chicken soup sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, this baked dish combines tender linguine pasta with rich flavors for a hearty meal everyone will love.
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
- 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 casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain it and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened butter, chicken broth, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are smoothly integrated.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and diced chicken into the sauce mixture, tossing everything to coat evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by a layer of grated Parmesan cheese.
- First Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
- Second Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and enhance flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken if preferred for a quicker meal.
- Use fresh pasta if available but reduce cooking time accordingly.
- If you like a crispy topping, add breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking uncovered.
- For a healthier twist, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
