Chicken Tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, savory pasta bake loaded with tender chicken, mushrooms, and a luscious blend of cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. This beloved classic transforms everyday ingredients into a decadent meal that feels both nostalgic and special, making it ideal for gatherings, Sunday dinners, or whenever you crave something cozy and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping ahead for a week of delicious leftovers, Chicken Tetrazzini promises crowd-pleasing, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Tetrazzini recipe plays a key role in building its signature flavor and texture—no shortcuts here! From the creamy sauce to the golden, crunchy topping, these staples come together to create pure magic you’ll want to make again and again.
- Spaghetti or linguine (12 ounces): Snapped in half for easy mixing and perfect forkfuls.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Starts the base for sautéing and adds rich flavor.
- Onion, finely chopped (1 medium): The sautéed onion releases sweetness and depth into the sauce.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Gives a gentle aromatic punch that brightens the entire dish.
- White mushrooms, sliced (8 ounces): Add earthy flavor and a tender, meaty bite.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce for that perfect, creamy coating.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Delivers a savory depth and forms the backbone of the sauce.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Balances out the richness with creamy, mellow flavor.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to luscious, ultra-silky sauce.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor in the bake.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and zing.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A classic, subtle touch that makes the sauce sing.
- Cooked chicken, shredded (3 cups): The star of the show—use rotisserie for ease or leftovers for resourcefulness!
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Add pops of color and a sweet, fresh lift.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup, divided): Builds sharp, nutty flavor through and atop the casserole.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Melts beautifully into gooey, cheesy pockets.
- Dry white wine (1/2 cup): Lends lovely acidity and a restaurant-worthy finish.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Form a crispy, golden crust everyone loves.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Ensures those breadcrumbs toast perfectly on top.
How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini
Step 1: Prep the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine, broken in half for easy mixing later, and cook just until al dente. This means the noodles are tender with a little bite—they’ll soften further as they bake with the sauce. Drain them well and set aside; you want them ready to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
In a big, deep skillet, melt your unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, just until it’s softened and fragrant, but not browned. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, letting them cook together until all the mushroom liquid evaporates and they turn tender and golden—about 5 more minutes. This step brings forward incredible depth and earthy savor in your Chicken Tetrazzini.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over your beautiful mushroom mixture, stirring constantly for about a minute to cook out any raw flavor. Now, whisk in your chicken broth, followed by the whole milk, heavy cream, and that lovely splash of dry white wine. Keep stirring as the sauce gently simmers and thickens to a rich, ladle-worthy consistency—about 5 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt, black pepper, and a touch of ground nutmeg for that authentic, layered taste Chicken Tetrazzini is known for.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Peas
Stir in your shredded cooked chicken and frozen peas, letting them warm through in that luscious sauce. Toss in half of the grated Parmesan, blending it thoroughly so every bite will be cheesy and satisfying. Taste and adjust your seasoning if needed—this is the heart of the flavor, after all!
Step 5: Build the Casserole
Add your drained pasta directly to the skillet or into a huge mixing bowl with the sauce, tossing everything well so the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Gently transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing out the top for even baking.
Step 6: Add Cheesy Toppings and Bake
Scatter the shredded mozzarella and remaining grated Parmesan evenly over the pasta mixture. In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with olive oil until moistened, then sprinkle this crumbly topping over the cheese layer. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes—or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is beautifully golden and crisp. Let your Chicken Tetrazzini rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the flavors settle and make slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Chicken Tetrazzini
Garnishes
Brighten up your Chicken Tetrazzini with a generous flutter of chopped fresh parsley or even a spritz of lemon zest. Both add a pop of color and just the right fresh note to cut through the creamy richness, instantly making each portion feel a little more special. If you’re partial to heat, a few pinches of red pepper flakes add a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This comforting casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or a platter of roasted seasonal vegetables. For a real comfort food feast, serve alongside some warm, crusty bread to swipe up every last bit of creamy sauce. If you’re leaning lighter, steamed broccoli or green beans keep things balanced but just as satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or weeknight treat, try assembling Chicken Tetrazzini in individual ramekins or mini gratin dishes for adorable, ready-to-serve portions. Want something extra decadent? Top with a handful of toasted sliced almonds before baking for a classic touch and irresistible crunch. For a playful twist, scoop the mixture into lightly hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a stunning table presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Tetrazzini keeps beautifully. Simply cover the cooled casserole with foil or transfer to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers a real treat for next-day lunches or effortless dinners.
Freezing
Chicken Tetrazzini is freezer-friendly, making it a fabulous make-ahead option. Assemble the casserole as directed but stop before the final bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual, adding 10–15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbling—about 20 minutes. For single portions, a quick zap in the microwave, covered, works great, but a few minutes under the broiler afterward can help revive that irresistible crunchy top.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in Chicken Tetrazzini?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds lovely flavor. Just shred the meat and toss it in as directed—no need for extra cooking.
Is it possible to make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the whole casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes entertaining (or busy weeknight dinners) a total breeze.
Can I substitute turkey or another protein?
Definitely. Turkey is a classic stand-in, especially for Thanksgiving leftovers, but ham, bacon, or even sautéed veggies turn this into a flexible, crowd-pleasing bake.
What can I do if I don’t have white wine?
If you skip the wine, just add a little extra chicken broth and a tiny squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. The wine adds acidity, but your Chicken Tetrazzini will still taste fantastic without it.
How do I keep the sauce from becoming too runny?
Be sure to thicken your sauce thoroughly before mixing in the pasta. Let it simmer until it coats the back of a spoon. Also, don’t overcook the pasta before baking—it’ll absorb some sauce as it bakes, resulting in that creamy, cohesive finish Chicken Tetrazzini is famous for.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something wonderfully inviting about a bubbling dish of Chicken Tetrazzini coming out of the oven—golden, creamy, and downright comforting. If you’re looking for a dinner that brings people together and fills the table with smiles, this classic is truly the answer. Give it a try soon and taste why it’s been a family favorite for generations!
Print
Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and creamy Chicken Tetrazzini, a classic baked pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, mushrooms, and a luscious cheese sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Main Dish:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine, broken in half
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Additional:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Sauté onion in butter, add garlic, mushrooms, then flour. Gradually whisk in broth, milk, cream, and wine. Season and add chicken, peas, and half of Parmesan.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce mixture until well coated.
- Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheeses and breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey for chicken.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half and low-fat milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
