Irresistible Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe for Dinner Magic
Comfort food reaches new heights with this delightful chicken tetrazzini recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.
Tender pasta intertwines with succulent chicken in a rich, creamy sauce that melts in your mouth.
Every forkful delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with delicate precision.
This classic Italian-American dish combines simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that warms the soul.
Perfectly seasoned and beautifully balanced, the tetrazzini brings a touch of elegance to your dinner table.
Layers of pasta, chicken, and velvety sauce create a harmonious combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Dive into this irresistible recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.
Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini: Storage Tips
Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and freeze half for quick future meals. Divide into individual or family-sized portions in airtight containers for easy reheating.
Refrigerator Rescue: Store leftovers in sealed containers for up to 4 days. Keep the dish covered to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss. Ensure proper cooling before refrigerating to maintain food safety.
Smart Reheating Strategy: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. For larger portions, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Freezer-Friendly Tip: Before adding cheese topping, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake fresh, sprinkling cheese just before cooking for maximum flavor and texture.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: 550 kcal
Servings: 9
Ingredients Breakdown for Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
For Creamy Base:
Cream of Chicken Soup: Delivers rich, hearty flavor and helps bind the dish together.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds earthy depth and smooth texture to the casserole.
Sour Cream: Introduces tangy richness and helps create a velvety sauce.
Chicken Broth: Enhances moisture and amplifies the savory chicken flavor.
Melted Butter: Provides luxurious smoothness and helps distribute flavors evenly.
For Seasoning:
Salt: Balances and highlights the overall taste profile.
Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and aromatic kick.
Garlic Powder: Infuses a warm, pungent background note.
For Protein and Pasta:
Seasoned Cooked Chicken: Serves as the main protein, bringing substantial and satisfying texture.
Thin Spaghetti: Creates the perfect pasta base for the creamy mixture.
Frozen Peas: Introduces a pop of color and sweet, fresh element.
For Cheese Topping:
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a stretchy, golden crust.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, bold flavor and extra creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese: Provides a nutty, sophisticated finish.
Garnish:
Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal accent.
Tools You’ll Use for Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining sauce ingredients and mixing pasta.
9×13 Baking Dish: Perfect for even baking and serving the casserole.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise for accurately measuring ingredients.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the dish during initial baking to prevent burning.
Cheese Grater: Useful if you're grating fresh cheese for topping.
Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.
How to Prepare Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
Cozy Kitchen Preparation Kitchen ready with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and all tools within reach.
Sauce Symphony Blend cream-based soups, sour cream, butter, and chicken broth into a smooth, dreamy mixture seasoned with subtle spices.
Pasta and Protein Harmony Toss tender chicken pieces and perfectly cooked spaghetti into the luscious sauce, ensuring every strand is generously coated.
Cheesy Blanket Lovingly scatter a medley of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan across the top, creating a golden, melty landscape.
Oven Magic Nestle the dish into a preheated oven, first under foil to preserve moisture, then uncovered to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
Restful Moment Allow the tetrazzini to settle and cool slightly, letting flavors meld and sauce set before serving to eager dinner guests.
Cooking Tricks for Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
Cheese Swap Magic: Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina, gruyère, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles that'll make your taste buds dance.
Veggie Power Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms to amp up the nutritional value and add exciting textures to the classic dish.
Protein Party: Swap chicken for turkey, shredded beef, or even plant-based protein alternatives to keep the recipe flexible for different dietary preferences and pantry situations.
Crispy Topping Trick: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers on top before the final bake to create an irresistible crunchy layer that adds delightful contrast to the creamy pasta.
Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven and enjoy a stress-free meal that tastes freshly made.
Presenting Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
Cozy Comfort Plate: Serve this creamy chicken tetrazzini alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy pasta dish.
Fresh Garden Companion: Add roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or glazed carrots to bring color and nutritional balance to the meal.
Bread Basket Delight: Pair with warm garlic bread, toasted focaccia, or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
Wine Pairing Pleasure: Choose a light to medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy texture and chicken flavors without overpowering the dish.
Homemade chicken tetrazzini delivers a comforting pasta casserole combining tender chicken, hearty mushrooms, and rich creamy sauce. Parmesan cheese and delicate pasta layers create a classic Italian-American dinner perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) seasoned cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
1 lb (454 g) thin spaghetti, cooked al dente
1 ½ cups (360 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (120 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups (480 ml) sour cream
½ cup (120 ml) melted butter
10 oz (284 g) cream of chicken soup
10 oz (284 g) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder
½ cup (120 ml) frozen peas
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and generously spray a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Sauce Creation: Whisk condensed soups, sour cream, melted butter, and chicken broth together, blending in seasonings to develop a rich, complex flavor foundation.
Ingredient Combination: Fold shredded chicken, spaghetti, and green peas into the creamy sauce, ensuring every ingredient is thoroughly and evenly coated.
Assembly: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to promote consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
Cheese Topping: Lavishly sprinkle a medley of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses across the surface, creating a tempting, multi-dimensional cheese layer.
Initial Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
Final Browning: Remove foil and continue baking until the edges bubble and the cheese transforms into a gloriously golden, crisp crust.
Serving: Let the tetrazzini rest briefly to stabilize the sauce, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
Prepare Baking Surface: Spray dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving and cleanup.
Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk ingredients smoothly to create a velvety base that binds all components perfectly.
Cheese Distribution Technique: Spread cheese evenly across the top for a uniform golden-brown crust with maximum flavor coverage.
Resting Time Critical: Let casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow sauce to set and flavors to meld completely.
Dietary Planning, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education, Content Development
Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice.
Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating.
Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.
Emily Roberts
Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Dietary Planning, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education, Content Development
Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating.
Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.