Chicken tetrazzini is pure comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and pasta. This cozy casserole brings back memories of family dinners and rainy days. Whether you need an easy weeknight meal or something to share, chicken tetrazzini is always a great choice.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Rich & Creamy: The sauce wraps around each bite with smooth, cheesy goodness.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It feeds a family or a group with ease.
- Easy to Make: No fancy steps, just honest ingredients and simple techniques.
- Flexible: Adaptable to your taste and what’s in your pantry.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make it ahead for stress-free nights.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prepper, or just craving something satisfying, this dish checks every box.
Ingredients for Chicken Tetrazzini
Spaghetti – Classic pasta for the dish. You can use other pasta, but it may change the texture.
Butter – Adds richness to the sauce. You can substitute it with margarine, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
Onion – Adds sweetness to the sauce. You can substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
Garlic Cloves – Gives the dish an aromatic kick. Garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but fresh garlic is preferred.
Cooked Chicken – Provides the protein. Rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken works well.
Cream of Mushroom Soup – Makes the sauce creamy. You can swap it with cream of chicken soup, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
Sour Cream – Adds tang and creaminess. Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
Milk – Whole milk is best for creaminess. You can use almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a savory flavor. Pecorino Romano can be used as a substitute.
How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini
Cook the Pasta
Boil your spaghetti until al dente.
Drain well and set aside.
Sauté the Base
In a large skillet, melt butter.
Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Make the Sauce
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper.
Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
Combine Everything
In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti, chicken, peas, and the sauce.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
Assemble the Casserole
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
In a small pan, heat olive oil.
Add breadcrumbs and toast lightly.
Sprinkle on top of the casserole.
Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Tetrazzini
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor depth.
Avoid overcooking pasta; it continues baking in the oven.
Freshly grate cheese for smoother melting and better taste.
Add chicken broth if the sauce is too thick pre-baking.
Let it rest before slicing—this helps it firm up and slice neatly.
Delicious Variations on the Classic Chicken Tetrazzini
Mushroom Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms for an umami kick.
Spicy Twist: Stir in chili flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
Extra Veggies: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli.
Cheese Lovers: Swap in Gruyère, Swiss, or cheddar for mozzarella.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and soup.
Make it fit your household’s preferences without sacrificing that cozy, familiar flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Tetrazzini
Satisfying Pairings to Complete the Meal
Garlic Bread – Crispy and perfect for soaking up sauce.
Green Salad – A fresh contrast to the richness.
Roasted Veggies – Try carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
Light Dessert – Lemon bars or a citrus fruit salad cleanse the palate.
This dish is filling on its own, but adding sides elevates the experience.
More Chicken recipes you will love!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Tetrazzini
What is chicken tetrazzini made of?
Chicken tetrazzini is a creamy pasta casserole that combines shredded chicken, pasta (usually spaghetti), a sauce made from cream or soup, and cheeses like Parmesan and mozzarella.
How do I make chicken tetrazzini without soup?
Skip the canned soup and make a roux-based sauce instead of using butter, flour, milk, and broth. Add mushrooms for that classic flavor.
Can I make chicken tetrazzini ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare everything the night before, refrigerate, and bake just before serving. You can also bake it in advance and reheat it.
What pasta works best in chicken tetrazzini?
Spaghetti is traditional, but linguine, fettuccine, or even penne can work well. Just make sure it holds the sauce without turning mushy.
chicken tetrazzini
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 12 oz Spaghetti cooked al dente
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 small Onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 lb Cooked Chicken shredded
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 cup Milk whole milk adds extra creaminess
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Frozen Peas
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil for toasting breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain well, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter. Add onion and garlic, and cook until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti, chicken, peas, and the sauce. Add Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- In a small pan, heat olive oil. Add breadcrumbs and toast lightly. Sprinkle on top of the casserole.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.