If you’re craving pure comfort in a casserole dish, the Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe checks every single box. This creamy, hearty classic wraps tender spaghetti, juicy shredded chicken, and earthy mushrooms in the coziest, cheese-laced sauce, then adds buttery breadcrumbs for a golden finish. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug — perfect for family dinners or any gathering that could use a big serving of joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe shines because of its down-to-earth, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial part: the chicken brings satisfying protein, the milk and cream create that luscious sauce, and the mushrooms add savory depth. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is important:
- Spaghetti (12 ounces): Acts as the comfy, carb-laden backbone of the dish, soaking up all that glorious sauce.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): Gives rich flavor and helps create the base for a silky roux.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Prevents scorching and adds a touch of fruity aroma when sautéing veggies.
- Small Onion, finely chopped (1): Brings gentle sweetness and aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds that irresistible, mouthwatering background flavor you expect in a cozy pasta dish.
- Sliced Mushrooms (8 ounces): Earthy and meaty, mushrooms give incredible savory notes and heartiness.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the creamy sauce to just the right, clingy consistency.
- Chicken Broth (2 cups): Infuses the sauce with extra layers of flavor and keeps things from getting too heavy.
- Whole Milk (1 cup): Helps make the sauce creamy and adds subtle sweetness.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Provides luscious texture and gives the tetrazzini its dreamy, indulgent taste.
- Cooked & Shredded Chicken Breast (2 cups): Use rotisserie chicken to save time and keep things extra juicy.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Offers a tangy punch that brightens and balances the rich ingredients.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Melts ultra-creamy and helps the casserole hold together.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds nutty, salty punch and toasty flavor on top and inside.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out and balancing all the flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Offers subtle heat and a deeper savory note.
- Ground Nutmeg, optional (1/4 teaspoon): A hint transforms the sauce, making it aromatic and just a little mysterious.
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs (1/3 cup): Give the finished casserole a crisp, golden crown.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley, optional: Freshens everything with a pop of color and herbal brightness when sprinkled at the end.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until just al dente. Don’t overcook — you want the noodles to keep a bit of bite, since they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside; a tiny drizzle of oil keeps them from sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it soften for a few minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic and sliced mushrooms, and cook until the mushrooms are tender, deeply browned, and most of their liquid has evaporated. This is where the flavor magic really happens, so let those mushrooms take their time!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the pan and stir constantly, letting it cook for about a minute to remove the raw taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps, then pour in the milk and heavy cream. Keep whisking gently as the sauce simmers and thickens to a dreamy consistency, usually 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Turn Sauce Into Filling
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in your cooked, shredded chicken, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and the nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy. Everything should meld into a creamy, cheesy, slightly tangy mixture that begs to be swooped onto pasta.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked spaghetti directly to the creamy chicken mixture and use tongs to gently toss until every strand is evenly coated. If your skillet isn’t big enough, just combine everything in a large mixing bowl. This is when you’ll start to see the Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe come together in all its glory.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the sauced spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs evenly so you get a crunchy, golden crust. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and irresistibly golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Once your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe comes out all hot and bubbly, let it rest for just a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a cheery lift, then serve while it’s still deliciously warm.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
Finish the casserole with a shower of chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness. If you like, add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a touch of cracked black pepper. For a fun twist, you can also top with crispy fried onions or thinly sliced green onions — they add a subtle crunch and punch of flavor.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta bake is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a simple side makes dinner feel truly special. Try a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread to round out the meal. Even steamed broccoli or herb-roasted carrots would be perfect partners for your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or fun family dinners, try spooning individual portions into cute ramekins or mini cocottes before baking for personalized casseroles. You can also pack leftovers into lunch containers for the ultimate midday meal, or top with extra breadcrumbs and cheese, then broil to re-crisp before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven feel every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the casserole cool to room temperature before covering tightly with foil or an airtight lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as they meld, making for utterly irresistible lunches or repeat dinners.
Freezing
The Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, remove the plastic wrap, and bake as directed. You can also freeze individual portions for quick comfort food any time.
Reheating
To reheat from the fridge, cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For the best results, sprinkle a little extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top before reheating. Individual pieces can be microwaved, but a few minutes in the oven keeps that lovely crisp on top.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, fettuccine, linguine, or even rotini work beautifully. Any pasta that can hug the creamy sauce will make your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe stand out.
What if I don’t have cooked chicken on hand?
No worries! Rotisserie chicken is a fast fix and adds great flavor, or you can quickly poach or roast a couple of chicken breasts. Even leftover turkey will do the trick in a pinch.
Can I make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add a minute or two to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
You can use reduced-fat milk, halve the cream, or use light sour cream for a lighter, yet still comforting casserole. Try loading up on extra mushrooms or swap in some steamed veggies for part of the pasta to stretch it a little further.
What can I substitute for mushrooms?
If mushrooms aren’t your thing, try peas, steamed broccoli, or even some sautéed bell peppers. The Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is forgiving, so you can personalize with your favorite veggies!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe really is the kind of dish that stands the test of time — comforting, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly easy to make your own. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or sharing with friends, give this recipe a try and watch it become a new household favorite. Happy cooking!
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Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and comforting Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. Tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and al dente spaghetti coated in a luscious sauce, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté onion in butter and oil until softened. Add garlic and mushrooms, cook until tender.
- Stir in flour, then gradually add broth, milk, and cream. Cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and add chicken, sour cream, cheeses, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Toss with spaghetti.
- Transfer to baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.
- Swap mushrooms for peas or broccoli if preferred.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
