Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini

This creamy rich Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is made with chicken, mushrooms, a few veggies, and plenty of sauce and cheese. Bake until bubbly and the cheese is melted for the perfect comfort food.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Chicken Tetrazzini is one of my favorite go-to comfort food recipes. This easy-to-make creamy casserole is always a hit in my house and I know your family will love it too.

It comes together in just under an hour so you can make it on a busy weeknight.

Full of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, al dente pasta all coated in a rich creamy sauce and topped with cheesy breadcrumb mixture that’s baked until bubbly.

A delicious budget-friendly meal that is perfect to prepare a day or so in advance and bake when ready for dinner. And as a busy mom, that makes it the perfect meal!

Plus, it’s freezer-friendly so, be sure to whip up a few and freeze for later. Because you never know when you need a last minute meal or take something to a friend.

My family loved this creamy pasta dish the first time I made it and it is now one of their favorites! I know it will be yours too. Check out my ham tetrazzini and tuna tetrazzini too.

Ingredients Needed

Spaghetti – Spaghetti noodles are the usual pasta, but feel free to use any pasta noodle shape you have on hand. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get too mushy after baking.

Chicken – I use cooked, diced chicken breasts. For easier prep use a rotisserie chicken from the store or use leftover chicken from another recipe.

Aromatics – Onion, celery, green bell pepper.

Spices – Minced garlic and salt and pepper to taste. Fresh parsley for garnishing. Garlic powder can be swapped if you don’t have fresh.

Cream Soup – I use cream of chicken soup, along with the tomato sauce. Feel free to double up on the cream soups and leave out the marinara sauce all together or use a cream of mushroom soup.

Cream – Use heavy cream and not half & half or milk for a richer flavor. Some prefer to use sour cream too.

Cheese – I used shredded Colby Jack but use your favorite. Shredding/grating your own cheese from a block for better melting. Also add cream cheese.

Breadcrumbs – I like to use Italian seasoned crumbs but use your favorite. You can even use Panko or cracker crumbs.

Pantry staples – Unsalted butter, fresh mushrooms, tomato sauce.

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How To Make Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini

First: Cook the noodles al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve a little of the pasta cooking water for later. Preheat the oven to 350° and spray a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray.

Second: Melt half the butter in a large pan and cook the onions and garlic for 4 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, celery and bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and cook for an additional 4 minutes.

Third: Add in the spaghetti sauce, cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, and the cream cheese. Stir until combined.

Fourth: Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and toss till combined. If you want the casserole a little saucier, add a little bit of the water you cooked the spaghetti in.

Fifth: Spread the coated spaghetti out in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the cheese.

Sixth: Melt the remaining butter. Stir the bread crumbs into the melted butter until combined. Sprinkle the top of the cheese with the breadcrumbs.

Seventh: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is a light golden brown. Remove and serve with your favorite side dish.

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Why This Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is Awesome

• Comes together in under one hour!
• Flavorful and comforting for the perfect weeknight dinner.
• Loved by even the pickiest of eaters, a great recipe the whole family will love.
• Quick and easy to make.
• Most are just a creamy base, but ours uses tomato sauce too.
• Easily made into turkey tetrazzini by using leftover turkey.
• Not only creamy, but this is a cheesy chicken tetrazzini.

How long does it last?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To freeze, prepare the recipe as written in a freezer safe dish. Cover tightly in plastic wrap and then cover with foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake accordingly.

Why is it called Chicken Tetrazzini?

Chicken tetrazzini is named after the Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini but originated in America. The recipe is a baked chicken and pasta dish smothered in a creamy sauce, often made with earthy mushrooms or sweet peas.

After the initial cooking, finish the casserole with either a layer of breadcrumbs, melted cheese, or a combination of both.

What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?

Feel free to swap cream of mushroom for the cream of chicken soup without effecting the flavor of the dish.

Can I make this in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a crock pot or slow cooker. It’s perfect for a busy day.

• Add all the ingredients (minus the cream cheese, pasta, and cheese) and cook on low for 4 hours.
• Cube and stir in the cream cheese, cover and let cook while you prepare the pasta noodles.
• Cook the pasta al dente, drain, and add to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
• Top with cheese and breadcrumbs and continue to cook for 10 more minutes or until cheese is melty.
• Serve with garlic bread and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple side salad and my easy garlic knots for a complete meal!

Tips for No Leftovers

• You can cook the chicken before using in the recipe or for easier prep, use a rotisserie chicken from the deli. I like to keep cooked chicken breasts in the freezer for just this purpose.
• I prefer shredded chicken in this dish but cubed works well too.
• Cook the pasta “al dente” or firm to the bite. The noodles will cook even more when baked and if you over cook the pasta in the beginning it will be mushy after its baked.
• You can cook the pasta ahead of time, drain, and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• If the sauce seems too thick, thin it out with some of the pasta cooking water. Or you can use chicken stock or broth.
• Do not cover the casserole when baking as you want the crumb topping to turn golden brown and crispy. If it starts to get too brown, cover with foil towards the end of the baking time.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

Creamy chicken tetrazzini made with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, veggies, and plenty of sauce and cheese. This perfect comfort food dish is baked until bubbly for one rich and hearty meal.

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