If you are on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and creamy satisfaction to the dinner table, this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is just what you need. It combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce, baked to golden bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe turns a few simple ingredients into a hearty, delicious meal that feels like a hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe work together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the tender chicken to the creamy sauce and cheesy topping, each component adds an essential touch that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 16-ounce package linguine (or fettuccine or spaghetti): Choose the pasta you love best; linguine works beautifully to hold the creamy sauce.
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced: Provides a hearty protein base, keeping the dish satisfying.
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup: This is the creamy backbone that brings richness and moisture.
- 2 cups sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings a smooth, buttery depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce just enough and infuses subtle savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes: Gives a wonderful savory kick with a little herbal brightness.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that ooey-gooey topping everyone loves.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for an extra hit of sharpness and golden color.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare the pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, cook your pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente so it holds up nicely through baking. Drain and set it aside, ready to soak up all those delicious flavors later.
Step 2: Mix the creamy sauce
In a large 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 creamy. This mixture is where the magic starts, providing a rich, savory coating for your pasta and chicken.
Step 3: Combine pasta and chicken with sauce
Add your cooked pasta and diced chicken into the sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly until every strand and bite is coated in that luscious mixture. This step ensures every forkful bursts with flavor and creaminess.
Step 4: Transfer and top
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour your pasta mixture into it, spreading evenly. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan. These cheeses will melt and brown beautifully, creating a golden, bubbly crust that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 5: Bake to bubbly perfection
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let everything meld together and heat through. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes so you end up with a beautifully browned and bubbly cheese topping. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to let all the flavors settle.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh contrast, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top just before serving. It adds a pop of color and a bright herbal note that lightens each savory bite.
Side Dishes
This rich dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables. Think simple steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or even a tangy cucumber salad to add balance and variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, try serving the chicken tetrazzini in individual ramekins. This not only makes for a charming presentation but also helps with portion control. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan and a dash of paprika on top for added color and flavor flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy texture softens nicely overnight, making for delicious next-day meals that taste just as good, if not better.
Freezing
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. When you want a quick, comforting dinner, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbling again, about 20 minutes. This helps restore the golden cheese topping and avoids a soggy texture that microwaving can cause.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! Although linguine is recommended, fettuccine or spaghetti work just as well and will soak up that creamy sauce beautifully.
Is it necessary to use cooked chicken breasts?
Yes, since this dish mainly relies on baking to meld flavors rather than cooking raw chicken through. Using pre-cooked chicken ensures tenderness and food safety.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken with mushrooms or a medley of your favorite veggies and use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian twist.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Try swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt, use low-fat cheeses, and whole wheat pasta. These small changes lighten the dish without sacrificing much flavor.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick or thin?
If the sauce seems too thick before mixing with pasta, add a bit more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, a pinch of grated Parmesan or extra cheese will help thicken it as it bakes.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dish that is so easy to put together yet makes everyone feel like they’re sitting down to a homemade family feast. This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe brings together simple ingredients for a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite go-to dinner!
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Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting and creamy baked pasta dish featuring tender diced chicken, linguine, and a rich sauce made with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it’s baked to golden, bubbly perfection—a perfect family-friendly meal ready in about an hour.
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
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened butter, chicken broth, garlic salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and diced chicken pieces into the sauce mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the pasta and chicken mixture evenly inside.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, then follow with an even sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving to let it set and make serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken for an easy variation.
- Use your favorite pasta shapes, but long noodles like linguine or fettuccine work best to hold the creamy sauce.
- For a lower fat version, substitute light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Covering the dish during most of baking keeps the pasta moist; removing the foil at the end crisps the cheese topping.
