Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

There’s something about a warm, creamy, and cheesy pasta bake that feels like a hug in a dish. And when it’s as easy to make as this Chicken Tetrazzini, you know it’s going to be a weeknight favorite. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food—tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce baked to perfection with a bubbly cheese topping. What’s not to love?

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a cozy dinner at home, this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it comes together with simple pantry ingredients, making it the perfect meal when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tetrazzini

• Simple Ingredients – Everything in this dish is easy to find and likely already in your pantry.
• Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love the creamy, cheesy goodness of this casserole.
• Perfect for Leftovers – It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day.
• Customizable – Add veggies, swap the soup base, or switch up the cheese to make it your own.

How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will make the assembly process even easier.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ½ cup butter, melted
• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups sour cream
• ½ cup chicken broth or stock
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
• 16 ounces linguini, cooked according to package directions
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole bakes evenly and gets that perfect bubbly, golden cheese topping.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until smooth. This sauce is what makes Chicken Tetrazzini so incredibly rich and comforting.

Pro Tip: If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder at this stage.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Next, toss in the cooked, chopped chicken and stir until it’s well coated with the sauce. This step ensures that every bite of the casserole is packed with tender, flavorful chicken.

Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch. It adds great flavor and makes prep even easier.

Now that we’ve prepared the creamy sauce and coated our tender chicken, it’s time to bring everything together. This next part is where the magic happens—combining the pasta, layering the cheese, and baking it to golden perfection.

If you’re already drooling, don’t worry. We’re just minutes away from popping this dish into the oven and filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of bubbling cheese and rich, savory goodness.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Now that your sauce is ready, it’s time to add the cooked linguini. Gently toss the pasta into the creamy chicken mixture, ensuring that every strand is well coated. This is what makes every bite perfectly balanced—no dry pasta here!

Tip: If you find the mixture too thick, you can add a little extra chicken broth to loosen it up. Start with a couple of tablespoons at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch glass baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Then, pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

At this stage, you should already see the creamy sauce coating every bite. The next step? Cheese. Lots of cheese.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping

Now for the best part—the cheesy topping. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta, followed by 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.

As the dish bakes, the mozzarella will melt into a gooey, stretchy layer while the Parmesan adds a slightly salty, nutty flavor. Together, they create that perfect golden-brown topping we all love.

Want an extra crispy top? Try adding a handful of buttered breadcrumbs for a little crunch.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place your casserole into the preheated oven (350°F/175°C) and bake for 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when:

✔ The cheese is melted and slightly golden.
✔ The sauce is bubbling around the edges.
✔ Your kitchen smells like pure comfort food heaven.

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This short resting time helps the sauce thicken slightly, making it even creamier when you dig in.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Tetrazzini is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out with some sides, here are a few great options:

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
• Green Salad – A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add color and nutrition.

Chicken Tetrazzini FAQ & Final Tips

By now, your Chicken Tetrazzini should be out of the oven, smelling absolutely delicious, and ready to serve. But before you dig in, let’s go over some common questions and tips to help you make this dish even better the next time you prepare it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before placing it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?

Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe baking dish, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While linguini is traditional, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or even rotini. Just make sure the pasta is cooked al dente so it doesn’t get too soft while baking.

4. What can I add to customize this recipe?

There are plenty of ways to make this dish your own! Here are a few ideas:

• Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Protein Swap: Use turkey instead of chicken, or even cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Cheese Variations: Try swapping mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.

5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 325°F until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is everything you want in a comfort food dish—rich, creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for later, this recipe is a winner every time.

Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Did you add any fun twists? Leave a comment with your favorite variations—we’d love to hear from you!

Now grab a plate, dig in, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

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This creamy and cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole. Made with tender chicken, linguini, and a rich sauce, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

• Author: Mark's Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup butter, melted
• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups sour cream
• ½ cup chicken broth or stock
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
• 16 ounces linguini, cooked according to package directions
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed.

Add the cooked, chopped chicken to the bowl and mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.

Gently toss the cooked linguini into the sauce until fully incorporated.

Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch glass baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Substitute cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or peas for extra texture and color.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.