If you’re searching for that ultimate comfort dish to wow both family and friends, you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe. It’s a luscious, cheesy pasta bake bursting with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety sauce that wraps every strand of spaghetti in creamy goodness. This dish has that magical way of feeling indulgent yet homey, the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy. Perfect for cozy nights or special weekend dinners, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the silkiness of the cream and cheese to the savory depth from mushrooms and garlic, these essentials come together simply but wonderfully.
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine: The long pasta strands provide the perfect canvas to soak up the rich sauce.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the veggies beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Combines with butter for a balanced cooking fat with a light fruity note.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Builds the flavor base with sweet and aromatic undertones.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the sauce with its unmistakable warm, savory punch.
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced): Earthy and tender, they add heartiness and a meaty texture.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: The star protein—moist, tender, and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The secret to thickening the sauce to that perfect silky consistency.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor without overpowering the creaminess.
- 1 cup whole milk: Brings a gentle creaminess that balances richness with freshness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavors without being salty.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): Provides a subtle warmth that rounds out the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to form a bubbly, golden topping that’s irresistible.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional): Gives a delightful crunchy texture on top when baked.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor at the end.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your tetrazzini doesn’t stick. Then, cook your spaghetti or linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water just until al dente. This ensures the pasta has enough bite to hold up against the creamy sauce and baking process without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, creating a fragrant base. Next, stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms soften and release their savory juices, enriching your dish with deep, earthy flavors.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and forms a roux that will thicken your sauce. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth followed by the whole milk and heavy cream, making sure the mixture stays smooth. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens to a luscious, velvety consistency that will coat every noodle perfectly.
Step 4: Add Cheese, Seasonings, and Chicken
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to introduce that unmistakable nutty tang, then season with salt, black pepper, and if you like, a pinch of ground nutmeg to add warmth. Toss in the shredded cooked chicken and the drained pasta, mixing everything thoroughly so each strand is wrapped in the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer this heavenly mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top it generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs if you want a crunchy crust. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges bubble and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking—this step ensures the sauce sets slightly, making it easier to serve while still meltingly creamy.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
After that final resting moment, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley atop the casserole. The parsley adds a beautiful burst of green that brightens the dish visually and brings a fresh, herbal note to balance the richness.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The freshness and crunch of the sides provide a lovely contrast that keeps the meal balanced and satisfying without feeling too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive family-style presentation, serve the tetrazzini directly in the baking dish with a rustic wooden spoon. Or, for a dinner party, portion it out into individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for a personalized touch that will dazzle your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually have time to meld and deepen, making the next day’s serving even more delicious.
Freezing
Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days when you want homemade comfort fast.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm individual portions in the microwave or gently reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until heated through. For that fresh-baked taste, uncover during the last 5 minutes to crisp up the topping again.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe. It’s already cooked, flavorful, and saves you lots of prep time while still tasting amazing.
What can I add to make this dish more vegetable-packed?
Consider adding frozen peas, chopped spinach, or even steamed broccoli. Stir them in with the chicken and pasta so they heat through as the sauce simmers. These additions add vibrant color and extra nutrients effortlessly.
Is it okay to substitute the cheese in this recipe?
Yes! While Parmesan and mozzarella provide the classic flavors and textures, you can experiment with other Italian cheeses like provolone or fontina for a different twist. Just keep in mind the meltability and salt levels when substituting.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Just be sure to adjust the amount of thickener as needed to get that perfect creamy consistency.
What’s the best way to get a crispy topping?
For that irresistibly crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter over the mozzarella before baking. You can also broil the dish for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe enough for anyone craving a comforting, flavorful, and downright delightful dinner. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with loved ones and making any meal feel special. Trust me—once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting American classic featuring tender shredded chicken and pasta baked in a rich, velvety cream sauce with mushrooms, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or family gathering, this dish combines savory flavors and a golden, bubbling cheese topping for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
Sauce and Filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.
- Create the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and absorb the fat, forming a roux.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Gradually whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth followed by the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Season and Combine Ingredients: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg if using. Add the cooked shredded chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing carefully until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy chicken sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by breadcrumbs if desired for extra crunch. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is lightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience; it saves time and adds flavor.
- Add frozen peas or chopped spinach to the sauce for extra vegetables and color.
- For a crisper top, broil the casserole for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking.
