Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini because it’s the ultimate cozy comfort food. The creamy sauce is rich but not too heavy, and the combination of shredded chicken, mushrooms, and pasta creates a hearty and satisfying dish. The best part? It’s easy to make, and it’s a one-pan meal that can be prepped ahead of time for busy weeknights or served at a family dinner. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a small gathering, this dish is always a hit.
Ingredients
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8 oz spaghetti or linguine
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
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8 oz mushrooms, sliced
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 ½ cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
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½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Cook the Pasta:
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Boil the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
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Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
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Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to form a roux (thickening agent).
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Add the Broth and Cream: Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then, add the heavy cream and continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese melts. Add garlic powder and dried thyme if desired for extra flavor. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Tetrazzini:
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Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
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Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake:
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. If you like a crispier top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Serve:
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings. Prep time is about 10 minutes, cooking time for the pasta and sauce is 15-20 minutes, and baking time is 20-25 minutes. This meal comes together in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet comforting dinner.
Variations
This dish is versatile and can be easily customized:
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Add veggies: Include peas, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
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Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even leftover cooked chicken to save time.
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Use a different cheese: Swap the mozzarella and Parmesan with cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
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Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and low-fat cheese for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can substitute the spaghetti or linguine with any type of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free flour for the roux to thicken the sauce.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Once the casserole is assembled, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. After baking, it can also be frozen in individual portions for easy reheating. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Can I add more seasoning to the sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. Italian seasoning, oregano, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat would all work well in this dish.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a deliciously creamy, comforting pasta bake that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. With tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, hearty, and full of flavor, making it an easy go-to recipe for any occasion.
Print
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This creamy, cheesy chicken tetrazzini is loaded with pasta, mushrooms, and two kinds of cheese—baked to bubbly perfection for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti or linguine
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Mushrooms: Melt butter in a skillet, add mushrooms, and cook until browned.
Make Sauce: Stir in flour to make roux. Gradually add broth and cream, whisking until thickened.
Add Cheese & Seasoning: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan. Season with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Combine: Add chicken and pasta to sauce and mix well.
Transfer to Dish: Pour into greased 9×13 baking dish.
Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Broil for extra crispiness if desired.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Add peas, spinach, or broccoli for more veggies.
Substitute with rotisserie chicken or turkey.
Swap cheeses for different flavors like Swiss or Gruyère.
Use half-and-half or low-fat cheese for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
