Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

There’s something so deeply comforting about a bubbling, cheesy casserole pulled fresh from the oven, and the Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is exactly that kind of soul-warming dish. With tender pasta, juicy rotisserie chicken, and a velvety sauce made luscious with cream cheese and just a touch of garlic, this hearty favorite is as simple to make as it is crave-worthy to eat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or crave the ultimate in creamy, cheesy comfort, this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe will quickly become a beloved addition to your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is how it proves you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to create something truly satisfying. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s adding creaminess, seasoning, or that irresistible cheesy stretch you love in a baked pasta. Here’s what you’ll need — and why you’ll love having each one in the mix:

• Linguini: This classic long pasta is the perfect textured base, though any favorite like spaghetti or fettucini works well.
• Butter for casserole dish: Softened butter creates a nonstick layer so you capture every delicious bite (and adds subtle richness to the edges).
• Rotisserie chicken: Pre-cooked, easy to shred, and packed with flavor—it saves time and offers dependable bite-sized pieces.
• Mozzarella cheese: You’ll love the gooey stretch and mild creaminess it brings to the casserole.
• Cheddar cheese: For sharpness and a bit of tang, cheddar balances the flavors and adds gorgeous golden color.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan gives the topping extra savory depth and a hint of crispy character when baked.
• Cream of chicken soup: The beloved base for that extra creamy, classic casserole sauce.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, velvety sauce that clings wonderfully to every noodle.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic brings the sauce to life with gentle, savory aromatics.
• Sour cream: A spoonful of tang from sour cream transforms the sauce with a richer, slightly tart flavor.
• Chicken broth: Thins out the sauce for just the right consistency, while infusing every bite with even more chicken flavor.
• Dried parsley: A punch of color and an easy herby finish, with more for sprinkling up top.
• Pepper: Just a touch for warmth and gentle backbone in the sauce.
• Italian seasoning: All the savory herbs you love, adding complexity and tying it all together.

How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pasta

First things first: set your oven to 375 degrees so it’s hot and ready by the time the casserole is assembled. Put on a large pot of salted water and cook the linguini (or your pasta of choice) until it’s just al dente—this keeps the noodles tender but not mushy, since they’ll cook more in the oven. Drain them and set aside while you whip up that irresistible sauce.

Step 2: Whip Together the Creamy Sauce

This is the heart of the Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe. Grab your biggest bowl and whisk together the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, sour cream, chicken broth, dried parsley, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t rush the whisking—the cream cheese should be completely blended in, making the sauce super smooth and rich. Already, the savory aromas will have you excited!

Step 3: Combine Chicken, Cheeses, and Pasta

Toss half the shredded mozzarella and cheddar into the creamy sauce mixture. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and the just-cooked noodles. Gently toss everything to coat—this is where the flavors meet and mingle! Make sure every strand of pasta and chunk of chicken gets its share of sauce and cheese.

Step 4: Prep Your Casserole Dish

Butter the bottom and sides of your casserole dish generously. This step prevents sticking and gives every serving a soft, buttery edge. Scoop your combined pasta and sauce mixture into the dish and distribute it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake

For the grand finale, scatter the rest of your mozzarella and cheddar across the top, along with all the parmesan and an extra sprinkle of dried parsley. Pop your casserole into the oven for about 35 minutes, until the cheese is wonderfully bubbly and the top is a deep golden brown. The aroma will be absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Garnishes

A finishing touch makes every plate special. I love to sprinkle a bit more dried parsley or fresh cracked black pepper right when the casserole comes out of the oven. For those who like a little heat and color, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a gentle dusting of seasoning salt can really wake up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is practically begging to be paired with buttery dinner rolls or thick-sliced Texas toast—the perfect way to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce. For a bit of freshness and crunch, consider serving with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli. These crisp, vibrant sides balance out the richness in just the right way.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get playful with presentation! Serve individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party twist, or plate it family-style straight out of the bubbling casserole dish. Layer on extra toppings if you wish—crumbled cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms can be delightful upgrades. Don’t be afraid to get creative with how you showcase your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover your casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. The flavors meld even more overnight, so the next-day serving can be even more delicious!

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Simply assemble your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe right up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This makes it an amazing option for busy weeks or sharing with friends in need.

Reheating

To reheat, scoop individual servings onto a microwave-safe plate and heat for 2-3 minutes, or pop the whole dish (covered with foil) into a 350-degree oven until warmed through. A splash of chicken broth stirred in before reheating keeps everything creamy and moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! While linguini is classic for the Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe, you can easily swap in fettucini, spaghetti, or even short shapes like penne—just cook until al dente, so they hold up after baking.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to one day ahead, refrigerate it unbaked, and then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a great choice for entertaining or busy weeknights.

What can I substitute for rotisserie chicken?

Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly, or you could use lightly poached chicken breasts or thighs. Swap in cooked turkey for a fun twist, especially after the holidays!

How can I make this recipe a little lighter?

If you’re in the mood for a lighter take, try using low-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and opt for reduced-fat cheese blends. You can also increase the ratio of chicken to pasta or add in a handful of sautéed veggies like mushrooms or spinach.

Will the Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe freeze well after baking?

Absolutely—it reheats like a dream! Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for easy single servings, or freeze the entire casserole (tightly wrapped). Just allow time for it to thaw before reheating for best texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a bubbling, cheesy casserole with people you love, and this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you’ll give it a whirl in your own kitchen and make it part of your comfort food rotation. With creamy sauce, melty cheese, and plenty of cozy flavor, it’s a dish you’ll want to revisit again and again!

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