Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is the sort of cozy casserole that never goes out of style. Packed with juicy shredded chicken, twirls of spaghetti, and a lusciously creamy sauce, it’s all baked together beneath a bubbly cheese topping until golden and irresistible. Each forkful is soothing comfort food, a little bit nostalgic, and so easy to whip up for a crowd or a hungry family on a busy weeknight. No fuss—just pure creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret behind every great casserole, and Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is no exception. Each element adds essential flavor, texture, or that signature homey color, making this dish one you’ll want to revisit again and again.
- Spaghetti (12 ounces, broken in half): Breaking the pasta ensures every bite is loaded with noodles and sauce, creating the classic casserole texture.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): The base of the sauté, butter gives the vegetables a rich, mouthwatering flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Garlic adds a savory aroma and depth that sets off the whole casserole.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Diced onion brings mild sweetness and flavor complexity to the mix.
- Sliced mushrooms (1 cup): Mushrooms add savory umami notes and a wonderful, meaty texture.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Shreds of cooked chicken make this dish hearty and satisfying.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5-ounce can): This soup lends instant creaminess and earthiness to the sauce.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5-ounce can): Cream of chicken soup delivers a velvety base with a boost of chicken flavor.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Sour cream brings a gentle tang and extra creaminess you can taste in every bite.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): A bit of broth loosens the sauce and keeps everything deliciously moist.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance all the savory flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and balances the creamy elements.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Brings a nutty, salty bite to the sauce and a touch of richness.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully and gives every serving that irresistible gooey stretch.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a welcome splash of color.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure an easy release after baking. Having the dish ready means you can quickly transfer your creamy pasta mixture without missing a beat.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and drop in the spaghetti. Cook just until al dente—the noodles will finish cooking in the oven, so this keeps them perfectly tender when all’s said and done. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Melt the butter in a large skillet on medium heat and toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Let them cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is soft and fragrant. This step builds an incredible flavor base for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini that you don’t want to skip.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. What you end up with is a creamy, savory sauce that’s practically the soul of this dish—smooth enough to coat every bit of chicken and spaghetti.
Step 5: Combine It All
Add the cooked (and cooled) spaghetti, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and Parmesan cheese right into the sauce. Stir everything together until well combined—each noodle should be perfectly coated and flecked with all those delicious little bits. The mixture will already smell like home.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the chicken-y, creamy pasta mixture into your greased baking dish, then scatter mozzarella cheese over the top. Slide it into the oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until everything is piping hot and bubbling with golden cheese. The wait is the hardest part!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling generously with chopped parsley. That simple garnish makes your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini look as irresistible as it tastes. Serve straight from the dish, family style—it’s comfort food at its finest.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Garnishes
A final flourish of bright, fresh parsley not only makes the casserole pop, but adds a burst of color and a hint of herbiness that cuts through all the creamy richness. If you like a little crunch, a sprinkle of crushed crackers or toasted breadcrumbs right before serving is a fun twist.
Side Dishes
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it shines even brighter with the right sides. Try it with a simple green salad or lemony roasted broccoli for a refreshing contrast, or offer some warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of that velvety sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it extra special for guests by spooning individual portions into small ramekins before baking, or top the whole casserole with extra Parmesan and a few oven-roasted mushrooms. The golden, cheesy crust is practically begging for a dramatic tableside reveal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Chicken Tetrazzini keeps beautifully! Simply cover the baking dish with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle and deepen, making leftovers arguably even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole up to the baking step, then wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, add cheese on top if needed, and bake as usual. This is perfect for planning ahead or sharing with a friend in need.
Reheating
Reheat Easy Chicken Tetrazzini in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot throughout (about 20–25 minutes for a large portion). For single servings, microwave in one-minute bursts until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce seems thickened—the heat will bring it all back to creamy perfection.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey makes a wonderful substitute and offers a delicious twist, especially around the holidays. Just shred it or dice it and use it in place of the chicken for all the same creamy goodness.
Do I have to use both cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups?
While the blend of the two soups gives Easy Chicken Tetrazzini its signature savory and creamy sauce, you can use two cans of the same kind if that’s what you have on hand. It will still work beautifully—just keep in mind the flavor may shift slightly.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes! Peas, baby spinach, chopped bell pepper, or even a handful of frozen mixed veggies can be folded into the sauce with the chicken and spaghetti. It’s a great way to add more color and nutrition to your casserole.
Is it possible to prepare Easy Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled. It’s perfect for when you want to get a jump on dinner.
What is the best way to shred cooked chicken for this recipe?
The quickest method is to use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces, but if you’re in a rush, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment will make quick work of shredding warm chicken in seconds.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Easy Chicken Tetrazzini has stood the test of time—it’s creamy, comforting, and so wonderfully uncomplicated that it just might become your new favorite weeknight dinner. I hope you’ll give it a try soon, and maybe even make it your own with a family twist. Happy cooking!
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Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is a comforting and creamy baked pasta casserole that the whole family will love. With a rich combination of shredded chicken, mushrooms, and a blend of creamy soups, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti (broken in half)
Chicken Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Sauce:
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, cook onion, garlic, and mushrooms until softened.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Add pasta, chicken, vegetables, and Parmesan.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Garnish: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey for chicken or add peas for extra veggies.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
