Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as Chicken Tetrazzini. This creamy, cheesy, and hearty pasta bake is packed with tender chicken, rich sauce, and melted cheese, making it the perfect family meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a potluck, or a Sunday dinner, this easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why This Recipe Works

✔ Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples like pasta, canned soup, and cheese.

✔ Rich & Creamy – A luscious blend of butter, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup creates a velvety texture.

✔ Perfect for Leftover Chicken – Rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken works beautifully in this dish.

✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – You can assemble the dish in advance and bake it later.

✔ Great for Feeding a Crowd – Makes a generous 9×13-inch casserole dish that serves up to 8 people.

What You’ll Need for This Recipe

Ingredients

½ cup butter, melted – Adds richness to the sauce.

2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup – The creamy base of the dish.

2 cups sour cream – Enhances creaminess and adds a slight tang.

½ cup chicken broth or stock – Helps thin the sauce and infuse flavor.

½ teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors.

½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a mild kick.

4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped – The protein-packed star of the dish.

16 ounces linguini, cooked according to package directions – Long, tender pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.

2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded – Melts beautifully for a gooey top.

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor.

How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.

Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Mix in the chopped, cooked chicken, ensuring each piece is coated in the sauce.

Step 4: Incorporate the Pasta

Add the cooked linguini to the bowl and toss it gently to fully coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.

Spread it out evenly for uniform baking.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture.

Finish with a light dusting of Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy crust.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.

The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success

✔ Use Pre-Cooked Chicken – Rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken works great.

✔ Swap the Pasta – Substitute spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne if you don’t have linguini.

✔ Add Veggies – Stir in peas, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.

✔ Make It Ahead – Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

✔ Freeze for Later – Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

✔ Use a Different Cheese – Try cheddar, provolone, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy Chicken Tetrazzini pairs well with light and fresh sides to balance out the richness.

Perfect Side Dishes:

✔ Garlic Bread – The crispy, buttery texture complements the creamy pasta.
✔ Steamed or Roasted Veggies – Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy touch.
✔ Crisp Side Salad – A fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Canned Chicken?

Yes! If you’re in a pinch, two large cans of drained chicken can replace fresh chicken.

Can I Make This Recipe Without Cream of Chicken Soup?

Yes! You can substitute with a homemade version:

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan.

Stir in 3 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute.

Gradually whisk in 1 ½ cups milk or chicken broth until thick.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

In the freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

How Do I Reheat This Dish?

Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, covered with foil.

Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying comfort dish that’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for company. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese topping, this dish will quickly become a staple in your home.

Make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again! Try it today, and let me know how it turned out for you. Enjoy!

More Articles You Might Like