If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that is both simple to prepare and incredibly delicious, look no further than this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine, this dish brings together familiar flavors in a way that feels cozy and special all at once. Whether you’re feeding a family or welcoming guests, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that fills the kitchen with warmth and invites everyone to dig in and savor every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe lies in its approachable and staple ingredients—all of which work in harmony to create a rich, creamy casserole that’s full of flavor and texture. Each component, from the smooth mushroom soup to the freshly shredded chicken, plays a crucial role in making this dish shine.
- 12 oz. Linguine pasta: The perfect pasta choice that holds sauce well and offers great texture in the casserole.
- 1/2 cup Butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create the luscious base for the sauce.
- 20 oz. Cream of mushroom soup: Gives the dish its signature creamy, earthy flavor and velvety texture.
- 2 cups Sour cream: Enhances creaminess and adds a subtle tang that brightens the flavors.
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and adds depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tsp Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 tsp Garlic powder: Introduces a gentle garlic aroma and taste that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
- 1/4 cup Parsley, freshly chopped (plus more for garnish): Adds a refreshing herbal note and vibrant green color.
- 4 cups Chicken, cooked and shredded: The star protein, tender and flavorful.
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully into a gooey, cheesy layer.
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a sharp, savory finish to the topping.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the linguine
Start by boiling the linguine according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente. This slight firmness ensures the pasta retains texture once baked, preventing it from turning mushy in the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Prepare your baking dish
While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This step ensures your tetrazzini won’t stick to the pan and makes for an easy cleanup afterward.
Step 3: Make the sauce
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until smooth, creating the rich, velvety sauce that brings this dish to life.
Step 4: Mix the main ingredients
Add the freshly chopped parsley, shredded cooked chicken, and the cooked linguine into the sauce. Mix thoroughly so every bit of pasta and chicken is coated, ensuring consistent flavor with every bite.
Step 5: Assemble the casserole
Transfer this comforting mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, generously sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top; these create a golden, bubbly crust that’s pure perfection.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes so the top can brown beautifully and the edges get deliciously crisp.
Step 7: Garnish and enjoy
Once out of the oven, sprinkle extra fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness, then serve it warm with a big smile—because this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is made to be savored!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing this dish with freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely burst of green that not only brightens up the look but also introduces a fresh herbal note to balance the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This chicken tetrazzini pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even some crusty garlic bread to mop up the lovely sauce. These sides add texture and variety, making the meal more dynamic and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation. Alternatively, top the casserole with some toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan before baking for an irresistible crunchy finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This gives you a delicious, ready-made meal for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving individual servings works too—just be sure to heat evenly and add a splash of broth if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta instead of linguine?
Absolutely! While linguine works great for its texture and ability to hold the sauce, other long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne or rotini, can be used with equally delicious results.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken first?
Yes, the chicken should be cooked and shredded before mixing into the casserole to ensure it’s tender and safe to eat. Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken is a perfect time-saver here.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
With some substitutions, yes. Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives, and ensure the cream of mushroom soup is dairy-free or homemade. This will change the flavor profile slightly but keeps the dish accessible to more dietary needs.
How spicy is this dish?
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is mild and comforting with no heat. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a subtle kick.
Can I prepare this ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding cheese, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese just before baking to keep it fresh and gooey.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is one of those classic dishes that never fails to bring comfort and smiles to the table. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese, it truly feels like a homemade hug in food form. Give it a try the next time you want a dish that’s both simple to make and spectacular to eat—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal!
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Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, linguine pasta, and a rich sauce made with sour cream and cream of mushroom soup. Baked to perfection with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this classic American pasta dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, delivering warm, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz. Linguine pasta
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Butter, melted
- 20 oz. Cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups Sour cream
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Parsley, freshly chopped, plus more for garnish
Chicken
- 4 cups Chicken, cooked and shredded
Cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set it aside to prepare the casserole.
- Make Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the freshly chopped parsley, cooked shredded chicken, and the cooked linguine pasta to the sauce mixture. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the dish to heat through and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy chicken tetrazzini.
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience and added flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheeses.
- You can add mushrooms or peas to the sauce for extra vegetables.
