If you’re craving a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a creamy, cheesy casserole full of tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a luscious blend of sour cream and mushroom soup that comes together effortlessly. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this recipe combines simple ingredients into something truly memorable without any fuss. Get ready to indulge in layers of cheesy goodness and satisfying textures with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each element plays a starring role in making the final dish irresistible. From the creamy soups to the cheeses, every ingredient adds flavor, creaminess, or a delicate texture that lifts this casserole to the next level.
- Cream of chicken soup (10 ounces): Adds rich, velvety flavor and a perfect savory base.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10 ounces): Complements the chicken with its earthy, comforting notes.
- Sour cream (2 cups): Brings tang and creaminess, balancing the richness beautifully.
- Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps everything meld together smoothly.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the dish from drying out and adds subtle depth.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of warm spice without overpowering.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle aromatic boost.
- Frozen peas (1/2 cup): Provides a pop of color and sweetness.
- Seasoned cooked chicken (1 pound, chopped or shredded): The hearty protein star of the dish, flavorful and tender.
- Thin spaghetti (1 pound, cooked al dente): Acts as the comforting carb base, perfectly textured to hold the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Melts beautifully with a mild creaminess.
- Cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Adds a sharp, tangy bite to the cheese blend.
- Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons, grated): Sprinkles a salty, nutty finish on top.
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish): Brightens and freshens every serving.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While it warms up, lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will slide out easily after baking.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisking these ingredients until smooth forms the luscious base that binds the casserole, blending umami richness with tangy creaminess for perfect flavor harmony.
Step 3: Mix in Chicken, Pasta, and Peas
Stir the frozen peas, shredded cooked chicken, and cooked spaghetti into the sauce mixture. Toss gently until every strand of pasta and piece of chicken is evenly coated. This step combines everything evenly, ensuring that every delicious forkful delivers the classic flavors of this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes so the cheese melts fully and the edges get bubbly and golden brown—a sure sign it’s ready.
Step 5: Garnish and Rest
Take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a friendly pop of color and freshness. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving; this resting time lets the casserole set, making it easier to serve and wonderfully satisfying to eat.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the classic garnish, brightening every plate with its fresh green hue and slight herbal flavor. For an extra touch, consider a light sprinkle of additional Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes to add an enticing kick.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables, which add a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy main dish. A simple garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls also complement the flavors and provide a satisfying texture balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a parsley sprig to impress your guests. Alternatively, embrace rustic comfort by spooning generous portions onto a bright serving platter, encouraging family-style dining with warm conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making excellent quick lunches or weekday dinners.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, so feel free to make it ahead and tuck it into the freezer. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to three months without losing its creamy texture or flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and bubbly, usually about 20 to 30 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning, removing the foil during the last few minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven melted cheese experience. You can also heat individual servings in the microwave, just keep an eye so it doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe?
Absolutely! While the original calls for thin spaghetti, you can swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well in the baking process.
Is this recipe suitable for using leftover cooked chicken?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken is perfect here. It’s a fantastic way to transform last night’s dinner into a completely new, comforting meal with minimal effort.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can adapt the dish by using dairy-free sour cream and cheeses, and selecting cream of chicken and mushroom soups that are free from dairy. Just remember this will alter the creaminess and flavor slightly, but it can still be tasty!
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten it up, use low-fat or reduced-fat versions of sour cream and cheese, and opt for whole wheat pasta. Adding extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach boosts nutrition without compromising flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the casserole?
Covering the casserole with foil while reheating in the oven helps retain moisture. Heating at a moderate temperature ensures the cheese melts back into that creamy goodness without becoming tough or rubbery.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is one of those classic crowd-pleasers that you’ll find yourself making again and again because it hits every comfort food note perfectly. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy topping come together in such a simple way that you’ll wonder how something so easy can taste so amazing. So, go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to this timeless, cozy casserole—your dinner table will thank you for it!
Print
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is a comforting baked pasta casserole featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce made from cream of chicken and mushroom soups, sour cream, and a blend of cheeses. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s flavorful, cheesy, and simple to prepare, serving up to 8 people.
Ingredients
Sauce and Base
- 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 pound seasoned cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1 pound thin spaghetti, cooked al dente
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together both cans of cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, low-sodium chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
- Add Main Ingredients: Stir in the frozen peas, seasoned cooked chicken, and cooked thin spaghetti into the sauce mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Use seasoned cooked chicken for extra flavor or leftover roasted chicken.
- Par-cook the spaghetti until al dente to avoid mushy pasta after baking.
- Frozen peas add a nice pop of color and sweetness; you can substitute with fresh peas if available.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
