Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken Tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food – a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole made with tender chicken, spaghetti, and a velvety sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing meal. This rich and savory casserole combines the flavors of rotisserie chicken, two kinds of creamy soups, and melted cheese for a dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Tetrazzini is the epitome of comfort food, offering a perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory chicken. This dish is simple yet indulgent, with familiar ingredients that come together quickly to create a satisfying meal. Whether you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken or cooking fresh chicken, this casserole is easy to assemble and bakes to a bubbly, cheesy perfection. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy nights, and its hearty nature makes it ideal for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chopped or shredded chicken

• 1 lb spaghetti

• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup

• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 1/2 cups sour cream

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

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

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Set it aside.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti for 12 minutes, or until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

3. In a large bowl, combine the mushroom soup, chicken soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, and sour cream.

4. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and chopped chicken to the bowl. Mix well to combine.

5. Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce mixture and stir until the pasta is evenly coated. If the mixture seems too dry, add the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

6. Transfer half of the chicken and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.

7. Add the remaining chicken and pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

8. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden.

9. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving with garlic bread, green beans, or a side salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Chicken Tetrazzini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like! While spaghetti is traditional, penne, rotini, or fusilli are all great alternatives.

Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to the dish. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the sauce mixture.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

You can use any cheese you like, but mozzarella and cheddar work particularly well for a creamy and cheesy result. Monterey Jack or Parmesan would also be delicious choices.

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

If you don’t like mushrooms or need a vegetarian option, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with another can of cream of chicken soup or use a homemade creamy sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free as it uses regular spaghetti. To make it gluten-free, simply swap in gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?

Yes, Chicken Tetrazzini freezes very well! Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, try adding red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture.

Can I use light sour cream or reduced-fat soups?

Yes, you can use lighter versions of sour cream and soups if you’re looking to cut calories. However, the texture and richness may be slightly different.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. You can also check by inserting a toothpick into the center to ensure it’s hot throughout.

Conclusion

Chicken Tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken in a warm, baked casserole. This dish is perfect for feeding a family, making ahead for a busy night, or sharing at a gathering. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich, savory goodness of Chicken Tetrazzini and share it with the ones you love!