The Best Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe Everyone Will Love

Whipping up a comforting chicken tetrazzini brings pure magic to your weeknight dinner routine.

Creamy pasta intertwines with tender chicken and a perfectly seasoned sauce that feels like a warm hug.

Pasta lovers will adore this simple yet elegant dish that comes together in less than an hour.

Classic Italian-American comfort food meets weeknight convenience with minimal kitchen effort.

Crispy breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch that makes each bite irresistible.

Mushrooms and parmesan cheese create depth and richness in this crowd-pleasing meal.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when deliciousness matters most.

Ingredients For Chicken Tetrazzini

• Pasta: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the base for this creamy chicken dish.
• Chicken: Shredded chicken provides protein and hearty flavor to the tetrazzini.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese topping that creates a golden, bubbly crust.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: These liquids combine to create a rich and smooth sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the sauce's depth.
• Butter, Flour: Work together to create a traditional roux for thickening the sauce.

• Mushrooms, Garlic: Provide earthy and aromatic notes to the dish.
• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

How To Prepare Chicken Tetrazzini

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain thoroughly and set aside while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté Mushroom Mixture

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add fresh mushrooms and minced garlic, cooking until mushrooms become tender and release their moisture.

The mushrooms will turn golden brown and develop a rich, savory flavor.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Melt butter in the same skillet with sautéed mushrooms.

Sprinkle flour over the butter and whisk continuously to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

The sauce will gradually thicken and become silky.

Step 4: Enhance Sauce Flavor

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme (optional)

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Incorporate Chicken

Add shredded cooked chicken to the creamy sauce.

Stir gently to ensure the chicken is evenly coated and heated through.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked pasta into the chicken and sauce mixture.

Make sure every pasta strand is generously covered with the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Bake the chicken tetrazzini for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. The edges should be bubbly and slightly crispy.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips To Achieve The Perfect Creamy Texture

• Select short pasta shapes like rotini or penne for better sauce coating and easier eating.
• Shred rotisserie chicken for quick preparation and added flavor depth.
• Prevent dry tetrazzini by ensuring sauce covers pasta completely before baking.
• Use fresh mushrooms for richer taste and better texture compared to canned varieties.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.

Flavor Variations For Chicken Tetrazzini

• Vegetarian Tetrazzini: Replace chicken with roasted tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce.
• Lighter Cream Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Seafood Variation: Replace chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat for a seafood-inspired tetrazzini that brings coastal flavors to the classic dish.

Serving Chicken Tetrazzini With Flair

Comfort Food Feast: Pair this creamy chicken tetrazzini with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette for a balanced meal that feels like a warm hug.

Potluck Party Pleaser: Prepare the dish ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake – perfect for gathering with friends and family who love hearty, crowd-pleasing meals.

Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Divide the tetrazzini into individual portions, freeze, and reheat for quick lunches during busy weekdays, saving time and enjoying a delicious homemade meal.

Gourmet Side Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or sliced almonds on top before baking to add a delightful crunch and elevate the dish’s texture and flavor profile.

Storage Tips For Chicken Tetrazzini

• Refrigerate leftover chicken tetrazzini in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the dish covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to preserve moisture and flavor.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring the dish is completely cooled before sealing.
• Reheat refrigerated tetrazzini in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintaining the creamy texture.

FAQs

• What makes the roux important in this recipe?

The roux helps thicken the sauce, creating a creamy and smooth texture that binds all the ingredients together perfectly.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti or fettuccine with similar long pasta shapes like linguine or penne to match your preference.

• Is this dish considered kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy topping make this tetrazzini a crowd-pleaser that children typically love.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can use whole wheat pasta, reduce the cream by replacing some with milk, and add extra vegetables like spinach or peas to boost nutritional value.

Chicken Tetrazzini, A Creamy Classic

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Dive into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that brings pure joy to the dinner table, satisfying everyone from kids to adults with its rich, comforting flavors.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Tackle this recipe with simple steps that require basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by using minimal cookware, reducing cleanup time and making this chicken tetrazzini a go-to solution for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
• Family Feast Favorite: Create a hearty meal that brings everyone together, packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese that appeals to different taste preferences and ages.

Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chicken tetrazzini brings together creamy pasta and tender poultry in a comforting Italian-American classic. Rich with parmesan and a velvety sauce, you’ll savor this hearty dish that warms both heart and plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded)

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or linguine

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 4 tablespoons butter

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta al dente according to package directions, then drain thoroughly and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Sauté sliced mushrooms and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until mushrooms release moisture and become golden, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Create a creamy roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until smooth and slightly golden, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Gradually incorporate chicken broth and heavy cream into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky, consistent sauce.
5. Fold grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
6. Gently fold shredded cooked chicken into the sauce, ensuring even distribution and complete coating.
7. Combine pasta with the chicken and sauce, mixing carefully to prevent breaking the noodles.
8. Transfer the mixture to a preheated 375°F oven-safe casserole dish, spreading evenly for consistent heating.
9. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously across the top, creating a golden, melted surface.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns bubbly and slightly browned, creating a crispy, appetizing crust.
11. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and sauce settle.

Notes

• Swap protein easily by using turkey, tofu, or even canned tuna for versatile meal options.
• Control cream sauce thickness by adjusting chicken broth and cream ratios to match preferred consistency.
• Toast breadcrumbs separately for extra crunch before sprinkling on top for enhanced textural contrast.
• Prepare dish ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked, allowing flavors to meld overnight for deeper taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg