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Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe – A Creamy Pasta Dinner

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Key Takeaways

  • Creamy, Comforting, & Complete: This one-dish wonder combines pasta, protein, and veggies in a rich, cheesy sauce for the ultimate comfort meal.
  • Family-Friendly & Foolproof: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, it’s a simple, easy-to-make recipe that appeals to all ages.
  • Perfect for Batch Cooking: It’s ideal for make-ahead meals, freezes beautifully, and makes excellent leftovers for a quick lunch or dinner.
  • Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt it to your dietary needs or preferences with different proteins, vegetables, or cheeses.

Introduction: Why This Dish is a Weeknight Hero

Hey there, I’m Betty from Betty Cooks. If you’re searching for a delicious and easy recipe to rescue a busy evening, you’ve come to the right place. As a home cook who values both flavor and practicality, I’m always on the lookout for simple yet impressive dishes. This creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is one of my all-time favorites, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today. It’s the kind of easy recipe that delivers maximum comfort with minimal fuss—a true weeknight lifesaver that makes cooking a breeze.

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There’s something magical about a dish that bubbles away in the oven, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of garlic, cheese, and herbs. This easy recipe for Chicken Tetrazzini does exactly that. It’s a hearty casserole that combines tender chicken and pasta in a luxuriously creamy sauce, topped with a golden, bubbling cheese crust. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this versatile dish is the perfect solution for a no-stress dinner.

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What is Chicken Tetrazzini?

If you’re not familiar with it, Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic American casserole with surprisingly glamorous roots. Named after the early 20th-century opera star Luisa Tetrazzini, this dish was reportedly a favorite in San Francisco’s fine dining scene. While its origins are elegant, today it’s celebrated as the ultimate comfort food—a warm, creamy, and cheesy pasta bake that’s pure joy in every bite.

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The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability. At its heart, it’s pasta, chicken, mushrooms, and sometimes peas or other vegetables, all enveloped in a velvety sauce made from a roux, broth, and cream, then finished with Parmesan and baked until golden. It’s the epitome of comfort food and makes for a fantastic dinner recipe the whole family will love.

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What Makes This Simple Recipe So Special?

You might wonder what sets this Chicken Tetrazzini apart from other pasta bakes. First, its creamy texture is perfectly balanced—rich enough to be satisfying but not overly heavy. The combination of sautéed mushrooms and onions adds a savory depth, while the nutmeg (a traditional touch) provides a subtle, warm background note that elevates the entire dish.

But the real secret is in its versatility. This is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken, turning humble ingredients into a spectacular meal. It’s also an incredibly straightforward dish to make, which is why it’s one of the best quick and easy recipes for a weeknight dinner. You can prep most of it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for potlucks or feeding a group of friends.

A Closer Look at the Key Ingredients

Every ingredient in this simple recipe plays a specific role in creating the final, harmonious dish. While the ingredient list is straightforward, here’s a bit more insight into why they work so well together. Spaghetti or linguine provides the perfect structure to hold the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. A simple roux of butter and flour creates the base for the velvety sauce, which is then enriched with chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan.

Umami-packed mushrooms and aromatic onions build a savory foundation, while cooked chicken adds hearty protein. The sprinkle of nutmeg is the traditional, almost secret, ingredient that ties all the flavors together beautifully. For a flavorful dinner recipe, you can’t go wrong with this classic combination.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about this creamy chicken tetrazzini is how adaptable it is. Don’t have mushrooms? Try adding broccoli florets or sautéed spinach. For a different protein, swap the chicken for leftover turkey (perfect after the holidays) or even flaked canned tuna for a quick tuna tetrazzini. You can use different cheeses too—a blend of Gruyère and mozzarella creates a wonderfully complex flavor, or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar adds a tangy bite.

If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or even a light Alfredo sauce. Want to make it gluten-free? Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. This flexibility makes it a go-to easy recipe you can customize again and again.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This rich and satisfying casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A bright, crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the creamy pasta. For something heartier, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus make excellent accompaniments. If you’re serving a crowd, a basket of warm, crusty garlic bread is always a welcome addition for sopping up any extra sauce.

When it comes to drinks, a glass of chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, cheesy flavors beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a simple iced tea works just as well. It’s one of those good easy recipes that works for any occasion, from a casual Tuesday night to a more festive dinner party.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This dish is a meal-prepper’s dream. You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the baking step) a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold. It also freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. This makes it a perfect quick and easy recipe for busy families who need delicious meals ready to go.

The Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

You can find the complete, detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions for this classic, creamy chicken pasta casserole in the recipe card below. It guides you through cooking the pasta, sautéing the vegetables, making the velvety cheese sauce, and baking it all together to golden perfection.

Notes & Tips

  • Chicken Choice: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor. You can also use any leftover baked, grilled, or poached chicken.
  • Sauce Consistency: The sauce will seem thin when you first combine it, but it thickens beautifully as it bakes. Don’t be tempted to add extra flour.
  • Resting is Key: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve clean portions.
  • Kid-Friendly Tip: If your little ones are wary of mushrooms, you can chop them very finely or even puree them into the sauce—they’ll add flavor without the noticeable texture.

Final Thoughts

At Betty Cooks, I believe that the best meals are the ones that bring people together without stressing the cook out. This Chicken Tetrazzini does exactly that. It’s a testament to how a handful of simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly special and comforting.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro looking for a reliable, delicious dinner, this recipe is for you. I hope it becomes a cherished staple in your home kitchen, bringing warmth and smiles to your table for years to come. Happy cooking!

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Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe – A Creamy Pasta Dinner

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Cuisine: American
Keywords: casserole recipes, chicken recipes, comfort food, dinner recipes, easy recipes, pasta recipes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Betty

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, broken in half
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Chicken and Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Topping

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions in a large pot of salted water with olive oil.
  3. Drain and set aside.

Cook Chicken and Vegetables

  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and become tender, about 8 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add cooked chicken, dried thyme, and black pepper. Stir to combine and remove from heat.

Make the Cream Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
  4. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and nutmeg.
  6. Cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.

Assemble and Bake

  1. Combine cooked spaghetti, chicken mixture, and cream sauce in a large bowl. Mix well.
  2. Transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  3. Top with mozzarella cheese and remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden brown.
  5. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze before baking for up to 3 months.

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