Creamy Comfort: Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe For Families

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible chicken tetrazzini recipe that promises creamy, cheesy goodness in every single bite.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the delightful blend of tender chicken and silky sauce nestled among perfectly cooked noodles.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet elegant dish that comes together faster than you might expect.

The combination of mushrooms, parmesan, and succulent chicken creates a harmonious melody of flavors that dance across your palate.

Creamy and rich, this classic Italian-American casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction in each forkful.

Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, this chicken tetrazzini will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

One spoonful, and you’ll understand why this comfort classic continues to win hearts at dinner tables everywhere.

FAQs

• Who invented Chicken Tetrazzini?

The dish is named after Luisa Tetrazzini, a famous Italian opera singer from the early 20th century, though its exact origin is debated between San Francisco and New York City chefs.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, while spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with other pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or penne without changing the recipe’s core flavor profile.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Chicken Tetrazzini reheats well and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals for the week.

• What makes this dish creamy?

The combination of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and chicken broth creates a rich, smooth sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.

Creamy Tetrazzini for Chicken Pasta Lovers

• Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This chicken tetrazzini transforms basic ingredients into a heartwarming meal with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't want complicated cooking steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Packed with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or potluck gatherings where everyone wants seconds.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows simple substitutions like using different proteins, adding vegetables, or swapping pasta types, letting home cooks personalize the dish to match their preferences or pantry ingredients.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal kitchen cleanup required since most preparation happens in a single skillet before transferring to a baking dish, reducing post-meal dishwashing and saving precious time for relaxation.

Ingredients Needed for Tetrazzini Success

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that forms the base of this comforting casserole dish.
• Chicken: Provides protein and hearty flavor to the tetrazzini.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables.
• Sour Cream, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Create a creamy and smooth sauce for the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provide melty, savory topping and additional depth of flavor.

• Onions, Garlic, Mushrooms: Add aromatic depth and earthy flavor to the tetrazzini.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the overall moisture and savory taste of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional topping that adds a crunchy texture to the casserole.

Steps for Perfect Chicken Tetrazzini

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for a delicious pasta adventure.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cook spaghetti in a pot of salted water until perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside, letting it wait for its saucy moment.

Step 3: Sizzle and Soften

Grab a large skillet and melt butter until it’s golden and bubbling.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Sliced mushrooms

Sauté these until they’re soft and fragrant, releasing their amazing flavors.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Chicken broth

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 5: Mix and Combine

Toss the cooked spaghetti into the creamy sauce, mixing until every strand is lovingly coated.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the saucy pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Step 7: Crispy Breadcrumb Option

For extra crunch, scatter breadcrumbs over the top before baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a golden, bubbly top that signals it’s ready to devour.

Tips to Make Tetrazzini Extra Creamy

• Add a splash of white wine or sherry to the sauce for a more complex, rich taste profile.
• Slightly undercook spaghetti before baking to avoid mushy pasta when it continues cooking in the oven.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories.
• Replace chicken with turkey, tuna, or roasted vegetables for versatile meal options that suit different dietary needs.
• Toast breadcrumbs with a little olive oil and herbs before sprinkling on top for extra golden, crunchy texture.

Mix-Ins for Tetrazzini Fans to Try

• Gluten-Free Chicken Tetrazzini: Replace spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or roasted portobello mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and maintain the creamy sauce texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap spaghetti with cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash. Reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, comforting flavor profile of the original dish.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for topping, and select non-dairy milk for moisture.

Ways to Serve Chicken Tetrazzini Beautifully

• Comfort Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this hearty dish for a cozy weekend dinner that sparks conversation and warms hearts.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to neighborhood gatherings or church events where everyone craves a delicious, filling meal.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Use rotisserie chicken or Sunday roast remnants to create an entirely new meal that feels fresh and exciting.
• Elegant Side Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread to elevate this classic comfort food into a complete dining experience.

Storing Chicken Tetrazzini for Later Meals

• Transfer cooled chicken tetrazzini to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep flavors fresh.
• Wrap the dish securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy chicken tetrazzini brings comfort and nostalgia to your dinner table, blending tender pasta with rich sauce and succulent chicken. Pasta lovers will savor this classic Italian-American casserole that promises warmth and satisfaction in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast

Pasta and Grains:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) dried spaghetti or other long pasta

Dairy and Cheese:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) sliced white or cremini mushrooms
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate 350°F, preparing a comfortable environment for the dish to bake.
2. Prepare spaghetti by boiling in salted water until perfectly al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Create a flavor base in a large skillet by gently melting butter and softening onions, garlic, and mushrooms until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Introduce cooked chicken into the skillet, blending smoothly with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and chicken broth to form a rich, creamy sauce.
5. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced and harmonious flavor profile.
6. Fold the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, coating each strand evenly and thoroughly.
7. Transfer the entire mixture to a well-greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Generously sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses across the top, creating a tempting golden blanket.
9. Optional: Scatter breadcrumbs over the cheese for an additional crispy texture.
10. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with enthusiasm.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for varied dietary preferences.
• Use gluten-free pasta and ensure cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free to make this dish celiac-friendly.
• For a lighter version, replace cream of mushroom soup with Greek yogurt and reduce cheese quantity to cut calories.
• Toast breadcrumbs separately before sprinkling for an extra crispy, golden-brown topping that adds delightful texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg