This Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is a comforting, supremely creamy, and cheesy pasta bake loaded with tender chicken and plump mushrooms. This meal is a crowd-favorite casserole dish perfect for casual family dinners, holiday potluck parties, bringing a meal to a new mother, and every occasion in between. Watch the video below to see how simple it is!
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Helpful Reader Review
“Excellent recipe! Creamy and cheesy in perfect combination also simple to put together makes it a winner” – Janet ★★★★★
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Classic chicken tetrazzini has been around forever and for good reason! It’s ridiculously good, easy to prepare, kid-friendly and reheats well. It’s sometimes made with soup flavor packets or canned soup, but my friends, you don’t need those to make this flavorful meal. I based this winning recipe on my popular Chicken and Mushroom Casserole recipe. The simple ingredients add all the creamy delicious flavor, and it’s nice to know there aren’t any mystery ingredients in the dish.
When you bake this Chicken Tetrazzini pasta casserole, some of the sauce bakes into the pasta, the flavors marry and [!!BAM!!] something wonderful happens. You’ll know what I mean when you try it. P.S. you can further simplify this by using rotisserie chicken – You’re welcome ‘ma friends :).
This Chicken Tetrazzini is one of my most popular pasta dishes, along with my Cajun Chicken Pasta, American Goulash, and Lasagna.
Chicken Tetrazzini Video
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, easy meal for dinner tonight, you’ll love this Chicken Tetrazzini! Watch how easily Natasha turns these simple ingredients into an incredibly creamy pasta casserole.
Ingredients for Chicken Tetrazzini
These ingredients for Chicken Tetrazzini are simple fridge and pantry staples that combine in the perfect way.
- Pasta – I’ve made this with linquine and thin spaghetti, but you I used thin spaghetti, but you can use your favorite noodles.
- Shredded chicken – I like using 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken to keep it simple, but you can cook the chicken breast (instructions below). Light or dark meat will work here.
- Mushrooms – White mushrooms are nice for their neutral color. Rinse (yes, it’s ok to rinse mushrooms for sauteeing) and dry the mushrooms, then slice thickly.
- Aromatics – onion and garlic add great flavor to the sauce.
- For the Roux – You’ll need butter and flour, which thicken the sauce.
- Chicken Broth – I opt for low-sodium chicken broth for tetrazzini. Regular chicken broth is ok, but go easy on the salt and add more to taste when making the sauce.
- To Build Flavor – salt, pepper, parsley, and lemon juice help brighten up the casserole.
- Half and Half – You can also make your own by substituting equal parts milk and heavy cream.
- Cheese – Mozzarella cheese is my favorite to use here. The cheese seals in the moisture in the casserole.
Pick the Correct Pasta
Skip the value-brand pasta or pasta that is mass-produced like Barilla for this recipe since it can absorb too much water and seem mushy or dry. Choose bronze-cut, higher-quality pasta made with hardier Durum wheat semolina flour that will stand up to baking (these are easily found in your grocery aisle, like De Cecco, Rustichella d’Abruzzo, Garofalo, Liguori, and others).
Variations for Chicken Tetrazzini
- Protein – swap leftover turkey, or even tuna for the baked chicken breast
- Veggies – You can easily substitute the mushrooms and dice up your favorite veggie to add with the onion. Try sauteed red peppers, steamed broccoli florets, artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, or frozen carrot/pea mix.
- Cheese – experiment with other cheeses like Havarti, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. Or you could add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top.
How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini
Traditionally, tetrazzini is made in a 13×9″ casserole dish, but it can also be done entirely using a Dutch oven so it can go from the stove to the oven saving you some dishes.
- Preheat oven to 350˚F and then grease your baking dish if using (9×13 baking dish, or two 9″ squares). **If cooking the chicken breasts instead of using rotisserie chicken, see my directions below for prepping the chicken.
- Cook Pasta in salted water until barely al dente. The pasta will continue to cook when in the oven, so don’t overcook it here. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, and then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
Natasha’s Pro Tip:
Salting the pasta water is so important for taste, but also for texture. Well-salted pasta water should taste like the ocean (about 1 Tbsp for 4 quarts of water).
- Saute the veggies – Soften the mushrooms with some olive oil then add the onions and saute until golden (5 minutes). Finally, add garlic and cook another minute then transfer the mixture to a plate.
- Make the sauce in the same skillet as cooking the veggies. Melt the butter and then add the flour, whisking for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the flour taste. It should look golden and smell a bit nutty. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the chicken broth then lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the Casserole – into the pot with the drained pasta, add chicken, veggies, pasta, sauce and stir together. I like to add about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water for a creamier sauce. Spread into the buttered casserole and sprinkle with the cheese.
- Bake covered in foil or a lid in the oven for 20 minutes, and then remove the foil and cook another 15 minutes. For a crispier topping, broil for a minute or two. Serve!
Helpful Reader Review
“Made this tonight.Yum! Delish! Hubby and I both loved it. Put in 2 8×8 pans. Baked one froze other for another quick easy weekday meal“ – Karen ★★★★★
How to Cook Chicken Breast for Pasta Casseroles
It’s easy to substitute the rotisserie chicken in this chicken tetrazzini recipe for chopped chicken breast. You can use baked chicken breast or sautee 1 1/2 lbs of chicken breast. If the chicken breasts are very large, you can cut them in half crosswise for faster cooking.
- Add 1 Tbsp of oil in a large Dutch oven pot (I can use this same pot to make the veggies and sauce and cook the casserole- Easier cleanup!)
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of the chicken breasts and sautee about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through to 165˚F on a thermometer. Chop into 1″ pieces. Proceed to the recipe!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
It’s simple to serve Chicken Tetrazzini ahead and also to store leftovers. This is one of my favorites to bring to friends or freeze for another night.
- Make-Ahead: Mix the casserole and place it in a freezer-safe, oven-safe dish, but don’t top it with cheese. Store in the fridge for 5 days or in the freezer for 6 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, top with cheese and cook. You may have to add a few minutes to the bake time.
- To Refrigerate: Allow leftovers to cool completely, then cover and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Cover and freeze cooled leftovers for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- To Reheat: Place casserole covered in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or until warmed through.
What to Serve with Chicken Tetrazzini
The best part about making casseroles is that they hit all the major food groups for a complete meal. Whip up this chicken tetrazzini recipe and include one of these quick side dishes for a filling and nutritious meal.
- Sourdough Bread
- Roasted Cauliflower
- Caesar Salad
- Maroulosalata – Greek Lettuce Salad
- Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Roasted Broccoli
- Tomato Cucumber Mozarella Salad
My Chicken Tetrazzini recipe will quickly become your favorite! It’s satisfying, easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and most importantly, creamy and cheesy. The pasta casserole is the perfect dish for family dinner, but travels well in a casserole dish to share with friends. Make this classic dish today!
Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tetrazzini:
- 12 oz linguine, or spaghetti*
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced, or cook 1.5 lbs of chicken breast*
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb button mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups half & half, or sub with equal parts milk & heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped, plus more to garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 350˚F and butter a 9×13 Casserole dish.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water (it should taste like ocean water) and cook until barely al dente according to package instructions – do not overcook. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta, partially cover, and set aside.
- Saute the Veggies: Place a large skillet over medium/high heat. Add oil then add sliced mushrooms and sauté 3 min or until softened. Add diced onions and cook until onions are soft and golden, 5-7 min. Add minced garlic and sauté another 1 min until fragrant. Transfer to the cutting board with chicken.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pot, melt butter and whisk in flour until lightly golden (1 1/2 min). Slowly whisk in chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper and whisk until smooth. Add half and half and bring to a simmer. Season the sauce with more salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Casserole: Into the pasta pot, add the chicken, mushrooms mixture, parsley, and all of your sauce. Stir to combine. You can add 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water to make it saucier then spread it evenly into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the top generously with mozzarella.
- To Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350˚F for 20 min, then remove the lid and continue baking for 15 min. You can broil for the last 1-2 minutes to get some golden spots on top.
Notes
*To cook your own chicken: in your dutch oven or pot, add 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Season 1.5 lbs chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Saute chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through (about 4 min per side). If chicken breasts are very large, cut them in half lengthwise for even cooking. Remove to cutting board to cool, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead – assemble the casserole, but cover and store in the fridge for 5 days or the freezer for up to 6 months before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then add cheese and cook as directed.
- Leftovers – allow leftovers to cool completely, then cover and store in the refrigerator for 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
More Casserole Recipes
Casserole dishes like Chicken Tetrazzini are fantastic dishes to feed a family. You’ll love these great recipes:
- Stuffed Shells
- Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
- Baked Tilapia and Vegetable Casserole
- Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
- Green Bean Casserole
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- Baked Ziti Recipe
- Meatballs Parmesan Casserole
- Chicken Orzo Bake
This was an easy recipe to make. Very satisfying with this cold weather.
Just started following Natasha site, soooo glad I found it.
I’m glad you love the recipe David! Thanks for following and sharing your great review!
Chicken Tettrazini was delicious! Even my chicken hating husband is a fan of this one.
Hi Cindy, thank you for the wonderful review 😬.
I just have to comment that your website is the best! No nonsense…gets you right to the recipe to be able to print, without all the other unnecessary ‘stuff’ added to the printed recipe……unlike so many others. Your format is the best…..and I love all your recipes.
I’m happy to hear how much you find my recipes helpful! Thanks for sharing Arline!
Amen Arline. Natasha is the BEST!
I made this recipe today and used Bella mushrooms, added sautéed green bell peppers, used salted butter and mixed in shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese inside the dish; sprinkled both on top!
Very easy recipe and great flavor.
That sounds delicious Ericka! Thanks for sharing your great review with other readers.
Will this receipe freeze.
Hi Viv, I haven’t tried freezing but based on reader reports, it does freeze well.
Thank you for sharing this recipe. Very delicious 🖒
My pleasure Tanya! I’m glad you enjoy the recipe, thanks for sharing!
This is a delicious meal. I added extra veggies very smooth and creamy. One is not enough so I made two.
I’m glad you love the recipe! Thanks for sharing Jae! 🙂
This is delicious recipe, followed everything by the recipe and it turned out yummy! Definitely a must try!
If this is freezer safe, what is the best option to freeze it in? Is it those glass freezer safe dishes with lids? Thank you in advance.😊
Hi Tatyana, I haven’t tried freezing but based on reader reports, it does freeze well. The glass freezer safe dishes with lids should work fine.
You say this freezes, can you reheat from frozen or do you need to defrost first.
Hi Viv, I haven’t tried it yet but one of my readers wrote in saying it freezes well. I think it could work either way. I would only reheat from frozen if I were reheating in the oven. If reheating on a skillet I would probably thaw first.
How many servings should I do for 30 people? I am doing a class project.
Hi Derek, 1 recipe serves 8 people as a meal so if you are serving it as a main course, you will have to scale it up from there but if you are just serving it to people as a side, you should probably double it. It really depends on how much you’re wanting to serve to each person. If it is just a sample, 1 recipe might cut it.
Thank you.
Wow! This was DELICIOUS. By far the best Chicken Tetrazzini I’ve ever made! Definitely a recipe I will keep in my rotation! I might add another veggie next time, like peas and/or carrots. I also made it with penne pasta (what was on-hand) and it was great!
Awesome, I’m happy to hear you love it Julia! Thanks for sharing your excellent review with other readers!
Delicious! Changed it up a bit because of what I had in the kitchen. Used some cream of chicken soup and cream in the sauce. Dried onions and garlic powder.
I’m glad you enjoy the recipe Leah! Thanks for sharing your review with other readers!
Made it twice this week! Bomb!
Awesome, I’m glad you love it Victoria! Thanks for sharing your great review!
Family & neighbors LOVED!~!~!
I’m happy to hear that Teri! Thanks for sharing 🙂
If I use rotisserie chicken- would i need to lightly brown it or just add it at the end when combining all the ingredients?
Hi Chele, there’s no need to brown it if using rotisserie chicken. You can just add it at the end when combining all ingredients 🙂
Natasha, I love your recipe! It broke my heart when I realized that I had lost an old favorite Chicken Tetrazzini recipe. I searched all over for a comparable one until I found yours. It was like hitting the jackpot & I’ve used it twice now. My old recipe called for the mushrooms & pasta to be placed at the bottom, then layered with the chicken, but I like yours better. I mixed the mushrooms & pasta with most of the sauce, then layered the chicken & topped it with the rest of the sauce. Then baked it as you suggested with the cheese on top. Fabulous! Thank you so much. I look forward to perusing the rest of your recipes!
You’re welcome Anne! I’m so glad you love the recipe! Thanks for sharing your excellent recipe! 🙂
My husband will eat anything and he was not thrilled with this dish, much to rich for us. I enjoyed making it, the recipe was easy to follow, well written. I would recommend if you like very rich food. Thanks, Natasha
Hi Colleen, I did my best to cut down on the cream with using flour but it still is pretty rich being a creamy pasta. I do love a creamy pasta though every once in awhile 😉
Fantastic!
Hi! How would you modify this recipe to serve 12?
Hi Gabriela, I would do 1 1/2 times the recipe and you will need a larger pot. The one I’m using in the photos is a 5 1/2 quart dutch oven. A 7 quart would fit everything easier. If you are increasing the amount of chicken to 3 lbs, you may need to cook the chicken in 2 batches or saute some of it on a separate skillet so you don’t crowd the pan. I hope that helps! 🙂
Can you do this recipe with rice? Trying to limit gluten.
Hi Leah, I haven’t tested this recipe with rice so I’m not sure, but I think you could make it work, just be careful not to add too much rice so it doesn’t get too dry. I would think rice has much more surface area than pasta being individual grains so adding too much might make the dish dry. Have you tried my creamy chicken and rice recipe – that one is always a favorite for rice 🙂