If you’re looking for a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s loaded with flavor, look no further than this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. This version uses simple ingredients like rotisserie chicken, mozzarella cheese, and a deliciously creamy Tetrazzini sauce that will leave you wanting seconds. Read on for step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting this dish, and variations to suit your taste. Let's get cooking!
What is Chicken Tetrazzini?
Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic American pasta casserole named after the Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini. Traditionally, this dish includes pasta (often linguini or spaghetti), chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce made from butter, broth, and cream or cream of chicken soup. The dish is typically baked until golden and bubbly, making it a go-to comfort food. While the original recipe can be quite indulgent, this easy version streamlines the process without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients List for Chicken Tetrazzini
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have all your ingredients on hand. Here's what you'll need:
Pasta and Cheese
- 16 oz linguini (or you can substitute with fettucine, spaghetti, or bucatini)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Chicken
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (or about 3–4 cups of cooked chicken)
For Buttering the Dish
- ¼ cup butter, softened (for greasing the casserole dish)
Ingredients List for Tetrazzini Sauce Base
The sauce is what brings everything together. Here’s what you’ll need for a rich and creamy Tetrazzini sauce:
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 block cream cheese, softened (make sure it's soft enough to whisk easily)
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley, plus more for topping
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best parts about this Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Pasta: If you don’t have linguini, feel free to use spaghetti, fettucini, or even penne for a different texture.
- Cheese: While mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices, you can use other cheeses like gouda, fontina, or Swiss for added depth of flavor.
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, but any leftover cooked chicken or turkey works just as well.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free variety.
- Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for mushrooms, tofu, or even a medley of vegetables like broccoli and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own creamy and delicious Chicken Tetrazzini:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, cook your pasta according to the package directions. Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente—you don't want it to become too soft, as it will continue cooking when baked in the oven.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Dish
Butter your casserole dish (a 9x13-inch baking dish works perfectly) with the softened butter. This step ensures the Tetrazzini doesn’t stick and adds a bit of richness to the final dish.
Step 3: Make the Tetrazzini Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, minced garlic, chicken broth, dried parsley, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Whisk everything together until you get a smooth, creamy sauce. Set the sauce aside for now.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking and the sauce is prepared, shred your rotisserie chicken. You can use your hands or two forks to pull the chicken apart into bite-sized pieces. Remove any skin or bones.
Step 5: Assemble the Tetrazzini
Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it to your buttered casserole dish. Add the shredded chicken and pour the creamy sauce over the top. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently mix everything together until the pasta and chicken are well-coated with sauce.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 7: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. You can also broil it for the last 2-3 minutes to get a more browned, crispy top.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with more dried parsley if desired before serving.
How to Cook Chicken Tetrazzini: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Chicken Tetrazzini can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple once broken down into steps. Here’s a quick summary of the process to help you out:
- Cook the pasta until al dente.
- Shred the chicken from a rotisserie chicken or use leftover cooked chicken.
- Prepare the sauce by whisking together cream cheese, soup, sour cream, broth, garlic, and seasonings.
- Assemble the casserole by combining the pasta, chicken, and sauce in a buttered baking dish.
- Top with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to only cook the pasta until it's al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Skipping the buttering step: Buttering the casserole dish helps prevent sticking and adds richness to the dish.
- Using cold cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing it into the sauce, otherwise, it won’t blend smoothly.
- Not seasoning to taste: While this recipe includes seasonings, feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or herbs based on your preferences.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your Chicken Tetrazzini is ready, it's time to serve it up. Here are a few serving and presentation ideas to make your dish shine:
How to Serve Chicken Tetrazzini
- Family-Style: Serve Chicken Tetrazzini directly from the casserole dish for a cozy, family-style meal. Place it in the center of the table, and let everyone dig in.
- Individual Portions: For a more formal presentation, scoop the Tetrazzini into individual bowls or plates and garnish each serving with extra parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Tetrazzini
- Fresh Herbs: Top the dish with fresh parsley, basil, or even a drizzle of olive oil for added color and flavor.
- Rustic Appeal: Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread and a fresh salad to complement the creamy pasta.
- Cheese Grater: Bring a fresh parmesan block and cheese grater to the table for a fun, interactive dining experience.
Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it sit out for about 20 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
- Freeze for Later: Chicken Tetrazzini freezes well. Just assemble the dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the dish for extra texture and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of meat in Chicken Tetrazzini?
Yes! While rotisserie chicken is traditional, you can substitute it with turkey, ham, or even leftover pork.
Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble it ahead and refrigerate or freeze the unbaked casserole. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
What side dishes go well with Chicken Tetrazzini?
A fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread pair beautifully with this creamy pasta dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Chicken Tetrazzini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy pasta, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness all in one dish. Whether you're making it for a family dinner, meal prepping, or freezing for later, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Don’t forget to try some of the variations and substitutions to make it your own! Happy cooking!
PrintEasy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe features tender rotisserie chicken, a rich tetrazzini sauce made with cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, and condensed cream of chicken soup, all topped with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses. It's the perfect comfort food for a family dinner!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 16 oz linguini (or substitute with fettuccini, spaghetti, bucatini)
- ¼ cup butter (for greasing casserole dish)
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Tetrazzini Sauce Base:
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans of cream of chicken condensed soup
- 1 block cream cheese, softened
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish with softened butter.
- Cook the linguini (or pasta of choice) according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, sour cream, chicken broth, parsley, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and pasta into the sauce, mixing until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with extra dried parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the linguini with any long pasta like spaghetti, fettuccini, or bucatini.
- Rotisserie chicken adds a nice depth of flavor, but any cooked, shredded chicken works.
- Feel free to add veggies like mushrooms or peas for extra texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
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