There’s something truly magical about sitting down to a warm, bubbling dish of creamy pasta fresh out of the oven—especially on a cozy evening after a long day. That’s the exact kind of comfort Easy Chicken Tetrazzini delivers. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a chilly weekend, or a casual dinner with family and friends, this classic casserole-style pasta bake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Inspired by the traditional Italian-American dish made famous in the early 20th century (yes, it’s named after opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini!), this version takes a modern, simplified approach without compromising on flavor. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with shredded chicken, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself turning to again and again.
And the best part? You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge. This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
If you’re new to Chicken Tetrazzini, get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner. This creamy pasta bake is everything you want in a comforting meal—and more.
✅ Quick to Prepare
With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking, dinner will be on the table in under an hour.
🧀 Cheesy & Satisfying
Loaded with Parmesan and mozzarella, this dish has that gooey, golden top and creamy center everyone loves.
🍗 Great Use for Leftover Chicken
Got rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken in the fridge? This is the perfect way to repurpose it.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly
Kids love it, adults devour it, and you can double it for gatherings or meal prep.
🥘 One-Dish Wonder
Everything bakes in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. (Who doesn’t love fewer dishes?)
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Tetrazzini uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand:
Pasta & Chicken:
- 12 oz spaghetti 🍝 – Cooked al dente
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken 🍗 – Rotisserie or any cooked chicken works great
Creamy Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup 🍄
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup 🍗
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth 🥣
- 1 cup sour cream 🥛
Cheese:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
Seasonings:
- ½ tsp garlic powder 🧄
- ½ tsp onion powder 🧅
- ½ tsp black pepper 🌿
- ½ tsp salt 🧂
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning 🌿
Optional Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs 🌾
- 2 tbsp butter, melted 🧈
Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
💡 Pro Tip: You can swap spaghetti for linguine or fettuccine depending on your preference!
How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini – Step-by-Step
Ready to make magic in a casserole dish? Let’s get started.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light coating of butter.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
🍝 Tip: Cook the pasta just until al dente—it will continue to cook slightly while baking.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cream of chicken soup
- Chicken broth
- Sour cream
- Grated Parmesan
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the bowl. Gently toss everything until the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 5: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
Step 6: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
If you’re using breadcrumbs, mix them with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer for a golden, crispy finish.
Step 7: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
🧄 Bonus Tip: Want to make it ahead? Assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with your creamy Chicken Tetrazzini? Try these tasty pairings:
- 🥖 Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- 🥗 Caesar salad or mixed greens
- 🧄 Roasted veggies (broccoli, green beans, or carrots)
- 🍷 Glass of white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
👨🍳 Hosting a crowd? Serve it buffet-style with other baked pasta favorites like lasagna or baked ziti.
How to Store and Reheat
This dish is meal prep and leftover friendly. Here’s how to store and enjoy it later:
To Store:
Let the dish cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes covered with foil.
- Microwave: Reheat individual servings on medium power for 1–2 minutes.
To Freeze:
Chicken Tetrazzini freezes beautifully.
- Wrap the unbaked or fully baked dish in plastic wrap and foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Recipe Variations & Customizations
Make this dish your own with these fun and flavorful twists:
🔄 Swap the Protein
- Use turkey instead of chicken for a post-Thanksgiving meal.
- Try cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
🥦 Add Veggies
- Stir in peas, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
🧀 Change the Cheese
- Mix in cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina for a cheesy twist.
🌾 Make it Gluten-Free
- Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free canned soups.
🥛 Make it Lighter
- Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheeses.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Tetrazzini?
Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy pasta casserole made with cooked chicken, pasta, a rich white sauce, and cheese. It’s baked until bubbly and golden—comfort food at its finest.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?
Yes. You can freeze it either before or after baking. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container and let it thaw overnight before baking.
Is this recipe spicy?
Nope! It’s very kid-friendly and not spicy at all. But feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you’d like some heat.
Perfect for Every Occasion
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini isn’t just for weeknights—it’s a versatile dish that fits a variety of occasions:
- 🎉 Potlucks and parties – Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
- 🧡 Comfort food – Ideal for chilly nights or when someone needs a pick-me-up
- 🥘 Meal trains – A thoughtful dish to drop off for new parents or neighbors
- 👨👩👧👦 Family dinners – Loved by picky eaters and adults alike
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Pasta Bake
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