Cozy, comforting, and undeniably creamy, Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is the kind of weeknight dinner that tastes like a warm hug. Picture tender pasta swirled through a luxuriously velvety sauce, studded with savory chicken, peas, mushrooms, and blanketed with bubbly cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. This classic casserole is simple to assemble, yet the payoff is a rich, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table with enthusiasm. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a dish that feels both nostalgic and impressive, Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll reach for time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredient list—every element plays an important role in building irresistible flavor, texture, or that signature golden finish. Think of this as your roadmap to the ultimate Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini flavor experience!
- Spaghetti or Linguine: Choose your favorite long pasta as the sturdy base that soaks up all that silky sauce.
- Olive Oil: A touch tossed with the cooked pasta prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness.
- Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken makes this step a breeze, offering juiciness and hearty protein.
- Mushrooms: These bring earthy depth and a lovely chew that balances the creamy sauce.
- Onion: Sautéed until sweet and translucent, onion forms the aromatic base of the dish.
- Garlic: A few cloves infuse the sauce with warm, irresistible flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps form the roux for your luxurious sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Key for thickening the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- Chicken Broth: Layers on savory backbone and complexity to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to that luscious, decadent texture you’ll crave.
- Milk: Lightens the sauce ever so slightly while keeping it creamy.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every bite just right.
- Dried Thyme: A whisper of woodsy herb flavor that lifts the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: Backs up the fresh garlic with a mellow, savory note.
- Frozen Peas: Sweet pops of green for color and a touch of freshness.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Gives the casserole its signature gooey, melty texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Earthy, nutty, and perfect for richness and that iconic cheesy crust.
- Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle on top for a golden, crispy finish that contrasts the creamy interior.
- Fresh Parsley: A last-minute sprinkle for vibrant color and a burst of herbal freshness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this sets you up for that beautifully golden bake at the end. Cook your spaghetti or linguine in salted boiling water just to al dente, then drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil. This not only ensures your pasta won’t clump together but introduces a subtle hint of richness right from the start.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms, Onion, and Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add mushrooms and onions. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for just a minute more, letting it get fragrant without burning. This trio creates the aromatic, savory foundation your Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini will be built upon.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle in the flour and stir for one minute, letting it coat the vegetables and cook off any raw taste. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then heavy cream and milk, stirring all the while to prevent lumps. Watch as this mixture gently thickens over 4–5 minutes, transforming into a silky, luxurious sauce. Now’s the time to season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder for maximum depth and flavor.
Step 4: Stir in Chicken, Peas, and Cheeses
Add your shredded chicken and frozen peas right into the sauce, along with the shredded mozzarella and half the Parmesan. The heat will soften the peas and begin melting the cheeses, weaving every element together in pure creamy harmony. It should look rich, thick, and absolutely irresistible at this point!
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Transfer to Baking Dish
Dump your cooked pasta into the pan of sauce and carefully toss until every strand is enrobed in creamy goodness. Next, transfer everything into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and breadcrumbs for a golden, textural contrast on top.
Step 6: Bake and Garnish
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, keeping an eye out for a bubbling edge and deeply golden crust. Just before serving, scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top. This last touch wakes up the whole casserole, making the Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini look as inviting as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
Garnishes
Nothing finishes Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini quite like a shower of fresh, finely chopped parsley. The bright green color and herbal pop balance the richness of the dish. For a little added flair, a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving never goes amiss.
Side Dishes
This creamy casserole is comfort food at its best, and it pairs beautifully with simple, crisp accompaniments. I love serving it alongside a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or classic Caesar. And of course, don’t forget warm garlic bread or a fluffy dinner roll to help scoop every last creamy bite!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to have a little fun, try serving Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini in individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy touch. Or, portion into small bowls for a cozy, family-style meal that everyone can dig into. Leftovers also make for a stellar lunch—just reheat and top with a dash more cheese or parsley for a fresh finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After a big meal, leftovers are never a bad thing! Let your Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld together even more and reheated portions taste nearly as delicious as the first time around.
Freezing
If you’re looking to plan ahead, this casserole is freezer-friendly. Assemble the dish but hold off on baking—simply wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the bake time until hot and bubbly throughout.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions or the whole dish, covered, in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. A quick sprinkle of extra Parmesan before reheating brings that crust back to life. Alternatively, single servings can be microwaved in short bursts—just cover and stir in between to keep things creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine are traditional, you can use penne, rotini, or even fettuccine for a twist. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce.
What’s the best chicken to use for Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini?
Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken is perfect for convenience and rich flavor. You can also quickly poach or bake chicken breasts or thighs, then shred or chop them before adding to the casserole.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to stir in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or even chopped broccoli florets for extra color and nutrition. Just be sure to cook them down first so they blend seamlessly with the sauce.
Is it possible to lighten up Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini?
You can swap in evaporated milk or light cream, reduce the amount of cheese slightly, or use whole wheat pasta to make things a bit lighter without sacrificing too much creaminess or flavor.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the sauce. Double-check that your breadcrumbs are also gluten-free for a casserole everyone can enjoy worry-free.
Final Thoughts
If you crave the kind of meal that always brings smiles and full bellies, Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini won’t let you down. Take it from me: it only takes one bubbling, cheesy bite to fall in love. Give it a try—your kitchen (and everyone around your table) will thank you!
Print
Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting and creamy Chicken Tetrazzini, a classic baked pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, mushrooms, and a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, sauté mushrooms and onion in butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook. Stir in flour, then gradually whisk in chicken broth, cream, and milk; cook until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder.
- Stir in chicken, peas, mozzarella, and half the Parmesan. Add pasta to the sauce, toss to coat. Transfer to prepared dish, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Bake uncovered until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and toss with olive oil.
Notes
- You can prepare this ahead and refrigerate—just add 10 minutes to the baking time.
- Great with a side salad and garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking + Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
