Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with rotisserie chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich homemade sauce, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s a hearty dish that can be stored for later and is even freezer-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is everything you want in a casserole: creamy, flavorful, and comforting. It uses rotisserie chicken, which saves time and adds a delicious depth of flavor. The mushrooms add an earthy taste, while the homemade sauce gives it a velvety smooth texture. Plus, it’s baked with melted mozzarella cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food that can feed a crowd, perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion. Chicken Tetrazzini

Ingredients

12 oz linguine or spaghetti
4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced (or cook 1.5 lbs of chicken breast)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb button mushrooms, thickly sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cups half & half (or substitute with equal parts milk & heavy cream)
1 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup parsley, chopped, plus more to garnish
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until barely al dente (do not overcook). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add the diced onions and cook until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer this mixture to the cutting board with the chicken.
In the same pot, melt the butter and whisk in the flour until lightly golden, about 1 1/2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add the half & half and bring to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Add the chicken, mushroom mixture, parsley, and sauce into the pot with the pasta. Stir to combine. If you want a saucier texture, add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with shredded mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 minutes. Optionally, broil for the last 1-2 minutes to get golden spots on top.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 9 servings

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and load up on extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also add more mushrooms to keep the dish hearty.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
Cheese Variation: Swap out the mozzarella for other cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or provolone for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This Chicken Tetrazzini can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze this casserole before baking for up to 2-3 months. To bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. If frozen after baking, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds flavor and saves time. Alternatively, you can cook chicken breasts if you prefer.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for different pasta shapes.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this casserole a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions.

4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, this Chicken Tetrazzini is freezer-friendly. You can freeze it before baking or after it’s cooked. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap.

5. Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can substitute the half & half with non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or oat milk, but it may alter the creaminess of the sauce slightly. You can also use coconut cream for a richer texture.

6. How can I make this spicier?

To add spice, incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce or top the casserole with jalapeños before baking.

7. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook it fully before adding it to the casserole. Shredded rotisserie chicken is ideal for ease.

8. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming dry?

To prevent the casserole from drying out, be sure to reserve some pasta water and add it to the mixture for extra moisture if needed. You can also cover the dish with foil during baking.

9. Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap out mozzarella with cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan for different flavors. Just make sure to use a meltable cheese for that creamy texture.

10. How long should I bake it if I’m reheating leftovers?

If you are reheating leftovers, bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until the casserole is heated through. You can also broil it for the last 1-2 minutes to crisp the top.

Conclusion

This Chicken Tetrazzini is a family-friendly favorite that brings together comforting flavors of chicken, mushrooms, and cheese in a creamy sauce. It’s an easy make-ahead meal that’s perfect for busy nights or special gatherings. Whether you make it fresh or freeze it for later, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table!