Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

The Creamiest Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Whipping up a delightful easy chicken tetrazzini recipe can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast.

Creamy pasta intertwines with tender chicken pieces in this comforting Italian-inspired dish.

Nostalgic flavors dance across your palate, promising a satisfying meal that everyone will adore.

You appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together without sacrificing taste or quality.

Pantry staples and simple ingredients merge to create something truly spectacular.

Simple techniques ensure success, even for novice chefs seeking a reliable dinner option.

Ingredients For Chicken Tetrazzini

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender, protein-packed meat perfect for a hearty casserole.
  • Linguini: Classic pasta that provides a satisfying base for the dish.
Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that adds rich flavor and thickness.
  • Sour Cream: Tangy ingredient that enhances the sauce's creaminess.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, melty cheese that creates a delicious topping.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth to the dish.
Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich ingredient that adds flavor and helps bind the sauce.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances overall taste.
  • Pepper: Mild spice that provides a subtle kick.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional green garnish that adds a fresh touch.

Steps To Prepare Chicken Tetrazzini

Step 1: Whip Up the Magical Sauce

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper until you create a silky-smooth sauce that looks like a dreamy culinary canvas.

Step 2: Marry the Chicken and Pasta

Fold in the tender, chopped chicken breasts, ensuring each piece gets a luxurious sauce coating.

Add the perfectly cooked linguini and toss everything together so every strand is lovingly embraced by the creamy mixture.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Transfer the luscious chicken and pasta blend into a 9×13 inch glass baking dish, spreading it out evenly like a cozy blanket of deliciousness.

Step 4: Cheese Shower

Generously rain down a shower of:
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Grated parmesan cheese

Covering the entire surface for a golden, melty masterpiece.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven and let it transform for about 40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese turns gloriously golden, bubbly, and the sauce is gently simmering around the edges.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Carefully remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Tips For Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Rinse cooked linguini with cold water and toss with a little olive oil to keep noodles separated and prevent sticking.
  • Swap chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even canned tuna for a quick protein variation.
  • Let cheese reach room temperature before sprinkling to ensure more even melting and better overall coverage.
  • Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake for convenient meal prep.
  • Replace regular linguini with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Reheating And Saving Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken tetrazzini fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Stir halfway through heating to distribute warmth evenly.
  • For quick reheating, use medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure consistent temperature throughout the dish.

What To Serve With Chicken Tetrazzini

Enhance Chicken Tetrazzini Dining Experience:
  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the rich cheese flavors.
  • Balance with Fresh Green Salad: Create a light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to offset the heaviness of the pasta dish.
  • Serve alongside Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or broccoli to add nutrition and provide a fresh contrast to the creamy tetrazzini.
  • Choose Rustic Bread: Offer warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.

Ways To Change Up Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular linguini with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make the dish safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a meat-free alternative.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute linguini with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy, cheesy texture of the original recipe.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes and coconut cream instead of sour cream, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can enjoy a similar flavor profile.

FAQs

  • What type of pasta works best for chicken tetrazzini?

Linguini is traditional, but you can also use spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well and has a similar thickness.

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds extra flavor. Simply shred the meat and mix it into the sauce as the recipe suggests.

  • Is chicken tetrazzini a kid-friendly meal?

Yes, this dish is perfect for kids. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has mild flavors that most children enjoy. The combination of chicken, pasta, and melted cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser.

  • How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add some frozen vegetables like peas, broccoli, or spinach to increase the nutritional value. Mix them into the sauce before baking for an easy way to incorporate more vegetables into the meal.

Reasons To Make Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Whip Up Comfort Quickly: Perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious, no-fuss meal that comes together effortlessly with minimal preparation.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: A universally loved dish that satisfies both kids and adults, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that guarantees clean plates and happy faces.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable to various dietary preferences by easily swapping ingredients or adding extra vegetables, transforming a classic recipe into a personalized comfort food experience.
  • Budget-Friendly Culinary Delight: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients that stretch your grocery budget while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction in every single bite.
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Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

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

Description

Comfort meets elegance in this classic chicken tetrazzini, blending creamy pasta with tender chicken and a golden, crispy topping. Creamy, rich layers promise a delightful meal that will satisfy you from the first forkful to the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) linguini, cooked according to package directions
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cans cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted

Seasoning and Cheese:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare a velvety, creamy casserole that brings together tender chicken, al dente linguini, and a rich, indulgent sauce.
  2. Create a luxurious sauce base by whisking melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until silky smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper for depth of flavor.
  3. Gently fold chopped, cooked chicken into the sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
  4. Add cooked linguini to the sauce, carefully tossing until the pasta is completely enveloped in the luscious coating.
  5. Strategically transfer the combined mixture into a spacious 9×13 inch glass baking dish, distributing evenly to create a uniform layer.
  6. Lavishly scatter shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese across the top, creating a golden, tantalizing cheese blanket.
  7. Slide the dish into a preheated oven, allowing the casserole to bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, molten crust and the edges begin to simmer enticingly.
  8. Once removed from the oven, let the dish rest briefly to settle the flavors, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch before serving.

Notes

  • Boost flavor by roasting chicken with herbs like thyme or rosemary before chopping for an extra aromatic depth.
  • Reduce calorie content by substituting low-fat cream soup and using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, replace regular linguini with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
  • Enhance texture by toasting breadcrumbs with parmesan and sprinkling on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a crispy golden crust.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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