Name: Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: Pasta: 16 oz linguini (or substitute with fettuccine, spaghetti, or bucatini); Butter: ¼ cup, softened (for buttering the casserole dish); Chicken: 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded; Cheeses: 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken condensed soup; 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup sour cream; 1½ cups chicken broth; 1 tsp dried parsley, plus more for topping; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic Italian-American casserole dish that combines pasta, chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce. This comforting meal was named after Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini, known for her vibrancy—much like the flavors of this dish. Originating in the early 20th century, Chicken Tetrazzini has evolved into a beloved comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

This recipe version is designed to be exceptionally easy, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. By using rotisserie chicken and condensed cream of chicken soup, we cut down on prep time while still achieving an indulgent, creamy texture. The result is a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s ready in under an hour and ideal for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Prep and Cook Time: This recipe takes less than an hour from start to finish, making it a fantastic option for those looking to make a hearty, home-cooked meal without a long wait.
Simple Ingredients with Rich Flavors: A few key ingredients come together to create layers of savory, creamy flavors with minimal effort. The combination of cheeses, creamy sauce, and tender chicken makes this dish a hit.
Family-Friendly: This recipe appeals to all ages, with its comforting texture and mild flavors. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers or even potluck gatherings, as it reheats beautifully and can easily serve a crowd.

Ingredients Overview and Substitutes

Pasta Options: Linguine is used here, but you can substitute it with fettuccine, spaghetti, or bucatini. Each type of pasta brings its own texture to the dish. Linguine and spaghetti offer a more traditional, slurpy texture, while fettuccine and bucatini are heartier, holding up well under the rich sauce.
Cheese Varieties: This recipe uses a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Mozzarella provides a creamy, melty texture, cheddar brings a sharper, tangy flavor, and Parmesan adds a nutty, savory depth. You can substitute with Swiss or Gouda for a slightly different flavor profile.
Sauce Ingredients: The sauce base includes cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth. Cream of chicken soup creates a thick, flavorful foundation, while cream cheese adds a rich, smooth texture. Sour cream gives the sauce a bit of tang, balancing the richness, and chicken broth adds depth to the overall flavor.
Seasoning Adjustments: Italian seasoning, black pepper, and dried parsley give the dish an herby warmth and subtle spice. You can add red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit of heat, or adjust the pepper for a milder flavor. These spices bring out the comforting, earthy tones in the dish, making it an aromatic, flavorful meal.

This combination of ingredients creates a comforting, creamy pasta casserole that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions & Serving Tips

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly and come out with a beautifully golden top. While waiting for the oven to reach the desired temperature, prepare your kitchen space—set out the ingredients, tools, and casserole dish. By having everything within reach, you’ll streamline the cooking process and avoid interruptions once you start assembling.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Cook 16 oz of linguine, or your preferred pasta, to al dente according to the package instructions. Al dente means the pasta should have a slight bite to it, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This texture helps maintain the integrity of the pasta so that it doesn’t become too soft or mushy once baked. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside.

To prevent the pasta from sticking while you prepare the sauce, you can toss it with a small amount of olive oil or butter. This light coating keeps the pasta strands separate, making it easier to combine with the sauce later.

Step 3: Prepare the Tetrazzini Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients for the sauce base:

2 cans (10.5 oz each) of cream of chicken condensed soup
1 block (8 oz) of softened cream cheese
5 minced garlic cloves
1 cup sour cream
1½ cups chicken broth

Using a whisk or a hand mixer, blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy. To ensure a lump-free sauce, make sure the cream cheese is softened and avoid overmixing, which can cause the sauce to become too airy. The cream of chicken soup serves as a creamy, flavorful foundation, while the cream cheese adds smoothness, and sour cream gives a subtle tang.

Next, season the sauce with:

1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning

These seasonings add a herby warmth and enhance the flavor of the sauce. You can adjust the amounts to taste, or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Mix well to incorporate the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Cheese, and Pasta

Add half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses to the sauce mixture to begin building layers of flavor. Then, incorporate the shredded rotisserie chicken and the cooked pasta. Toss everything until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with sauce. Ensuring an even coating is important for a balanced flavor profile in every bite, with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese throughout.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Prepare your casserole dish by buttering the bottom and sides with ¼ cup of softened butter. This step prevents sticking, making it easier to serve the casserole and ensuring a clean finish on each portion.

Next, pour the pasta mixture into the buttered casserole dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Top the mixture with the remaining shredded cheeses—this layer of cheese will melt and turn golden-brown during baking, adding a deliciously gooey and crispy topping. For added color, sprinkle a bit of dried parsley over the top as a garnish before baking.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake at 375°F for about 35 minutes. Baking at this temperature allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld without drying out the pasta. The goal is to reach a bubbly consistency with a golden-brown top that signals the cheese is perfectly melted and the casserole is heated through.

To check for doneness, look for bubbling edges and a lightly browned cheese topping. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to settle, making it easier to serve neat portions.

Serve the Chicken Tetrazzini with side dishes that complement its creamy, cheesy richness. Consider pairing it with:

Texas toast or garlic bread: The crunch of toasted bread complements the creamy texture.
Steamed broccoli or green beans: These add a fresh, green element to the meal, balancing the richness.
Side salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette is an ideal, refreshing contrast.

For additional flavor, you can garnish each serving with a sprinkle of seasoning salt or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.

This easy-to-follow recipe yields a comforting, satisfying dish that will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini with family or friends for a meal that’s as delightful as it is simple.

Additional Tips & Tricks

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerating:
To store leftovers, transfer the Chicken Tetrazzini to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3-4 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave and heat in 30-second increments until warmed through, stirring as needed. You can also reheat in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the top from drying out.

Freezing:
Chicken Tetrazzini is a great make-ahead meal and freezes beautifully. For best results, freeze in individual portions or in a freezer-safe casserole dish. Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. For individual portions, divide into airtight freezer-safe containers.

Thawing and Reheating Frozen Tetrazzini:
To thaw, transfer the casserole from the freezer to the refrigerator 24 hours before serving. Once thawed, reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through, covering with foil if necessary. If reheating directly from frozen, bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes, checking for doneness.

Customizing Your Tetrazzini

Vegetarian Version:
To make this recipe vegetarian, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, which add a meaty texture and rich flavor. Substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a seamless vegetarian option that’s still hearty and creamy. Add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Low-Calorie Adaptations:
For a lighter version, swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt, which provides a creamy texture with fewer calories and more protein. You can also use reduced-fat cheeses or light cream cheese to lower the overall calorie count. Another tip is to use whole-grain pasta or a chickpea-based pasta for added fiber, making it a more nutritious choice without compromising flavor.

These storage tips and customizations make this Chicken Tetrazzini versatile, allowing you to enjoy it on various occasions and adapt it to different dietary preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken with other cooked meats. Turkey, especially leftover Thanksgiving turkey, is a fantastic option that pairs well with the creamy sauce. Ham is another flavorful choice that brings a slightly smoky taste to the dish.

What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from drying out?
To keep the casserole moist, cover it with foil while reheating to lock in moisture. If it seems too thick or dry, you can add a few tablespoons of chicken broth or milk before reheating to refresh the sauce.

Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting it in the oven, then bake as directed.

How can I make this gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free condensed soup or homemade cream sauce made with gluten-free flour.

How do I adjust this recipe for a larger crowd?
To serve a larger group, double the ingredients and use a large casserole dish. Baking time may increase slightly; check for doneness by ensuring the top is bubbly and golden.

Can I use homemade cooked chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, you can use any cooked chicken in this recipe. Simply shred or dice cooked chicken breasts or thighs to match the texture of rotisserie chicken. Using seasoned baked or grilled chicken can also add an extra layer of flavor.

What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
While the recipe suggests linguine, other pasta shapes like fettuccine, spaghetti, or even shorter shapes like penne or rotini work well. The choice of pasta can slightly affect texture but not the overall flavor.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese, cheddar, and sour cream can be used to reduce calories. Keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich, but the dish will still be flavorful and creamy.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Vegetables like mushrooms, peas, broccoli, or bell peppers make great additions. They add color, texture, and nutrition to the dish. Just sauté them lightly before adding them to the mixture for even cooking.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free sour cream, and a non-dairy milk substitute. You can also find dairy-free shredded cheeses to replace the mozzarella and cheddar, although texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the casserole. Just give it a quick stir before mixing it with the pasta, chicken, and cheese.

What’s the best way to get a crispy, golden top on the casserole?
To achieve a golden, bubbly top, bake the casserole uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes. If you’d like an extra-crispy cheese layer, you can also place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, canned chicken can be used in a pinch. Drain the chicken well and shred it before adding it to the casserole. The texture will be slightly different, but it’s a convenient option.

Can I use other types of cheese?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gouda, Fontina, or Swiss for different flavors. Gruyère is another delicious option that adds a nutty, slightly sweet taste.

Can I add breadcrumbs to the top?
Yes, adding breadcrumbs on top can give the casserole an extra crunch. Mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle them over the cheese layer before baking. This will create a golden, crispy topping.

How can I make this spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese in place of some of the mozzarella for a spicy twist.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave. If reheating in the oven, cover the casserole with foil and add a splash of broth or milk to keep it moist. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.

Can I add herbs for extra flavor?
Yes, fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or chopped parsley make great additions. Add these after baking to brighten up the flavors and add a fresh touch to the casserole.