Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is the perfect comfort food with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese.
This recipe is simple to follow, requires basic ingredients, and can be easily customized to your preferences.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish offers a hearty meal that’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know, from cooking the pasta to achieving a golden-brown cheesy top.
Ingredients for Chicken Tetrazzini
Here’s everything you need to whip up this easy dish:
- Spaghetti noodles – 16 ounces (1 box)
- Salted butter – 4 tablespoons
- Sweet onion – 1 small, diced
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- All-purpose flour – ¼ cup
- Milk – 2 cups
- Chicken stock – 1 cup (unsalted)
- Cream of mushroom soup – 2 cans (10.5 ounces each)
- Shredded cooked chicken – 2 cups
- Frozen peas – 1 cup
- Sour cream – 1 cup
- Dried parsley flakes – 1 teaspoon + more for garnish (optional)
- Kosher salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups, shredded
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
Follow the package directions to cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente. Drain well and set the noodles aside while you prepare the sauce.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the flour to the pot and stir it into the butter and onions. Let it cook for 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the milk and chicken stock, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
5. Add the Cream of Mushroom and Other Ingredients
Whisk in the cream of mushroom soup until everything is combined and smooth.
Add the shredded chicken, frozen peas, sour cream, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Combine with the Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the pot and gently mix until the noodles are well-coated in the sauce.
7. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake and Optional Broil
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the dish is bubbly and heated through.
If you want a golden-brown top, turn the broiler to high and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
9. Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Pasta Options: While spaghetti works great, feel free to substitute with fettuccine, linguine, or even penne.
- Vegetable Additions: You can add more vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Cheese Swaps: Swap mozzarella with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan to change the flavor.
- Meat Variations: Diced turkey or ham can replace chicken if you have leftovers.
- Soup Substitutes: Use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom if you prefer.
- Make it Richer: Replace the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream for an even creamier sauce.
Can You Freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?
Yes! Chicken Tetrazzini is an excellent freezer-friendly dish. Here’s how:
- Assemble the casserole without baking it.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 359 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 298mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Note: The provided nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the brands you use. For more accurate values, input your specific ingredients into a nutrition calculator.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a satisfying main course that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness in every bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or as a make-ahead meal.
With the option to swap ingredients or add personal touches, you can make this dish truly your own.
Enjoy a cozy dinner tonight and share this recipe with friends! If you try it, let us know how it turns out—bon appétit!