If you’re dreaming of the ultimate creamy, cozy pasta bake, Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini is the dish that delivers on all fronts. This hearty casserole layers succulent shredded chicken, a luscious blend of cheeses, earthy mushrooms, and al dente pasta under a golden, bubbly crust that charms every crowd. Each bite balances rich, velvety comfort with just the right pop of flavor, making it a showstopper for Sunday suppers and easy weeknight dinners alike. If you love dishes that bring people together and leave them asking for seconds, this recipe is your new best friend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive in, let’s round up the stars of our Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini. Each ingredient plays a vital role, building layers of flavor, creaminess, and irresistible crust—so don’t skip a thing! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spaghetti or linguine (12 ounces): Classic long pasta soaks up all that delectable sauce and holds the casserole together.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Gives depth and rich flavor to the sautéed veggies.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Keeps the butter from browning too quickly and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Small onion, finely diced: Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic base to the dish.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuses the sauce with savory warmth.
- Cremini mushrooms, sliced (8 ounces): Offer earthiness and a meaty bite.
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded (3 cups): Provides tender, hearty protein.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can): Thickens and enriches the sauce with classic comfort-food appeal.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can): Deepens the savory, umami flavor base.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and gorgeous creaminess to the mix.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Loosens the sauce and ties in more savory chicken flavor.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Brings luxurious silkiness you’ll taste in every forkful.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Heightens every flavor.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a little background heat.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A secret boost of flavor so the sauce never falls flat.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of warm spice—trust me, it works magic here.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups), divided: Provides stretchy, melty goodness and a gorgeously gooey top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Delivers sharp, nutty flavor and a bit of salty bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): For color and that extra cheesy pull on top!
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Toast up into a perfectly crunchy lid.
- Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons), for garnish: A sprinkle of green for fresh flavor and pretty presentation.
How to Make Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Get things rolling by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures nothing sticks and you get those beautiful, easy-to-slice portions. Prepping your dish at the outset keeps everything moving smoothly.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil the spaghetti or linguine in salted water just until al dente. You want it to have a little bite, since it’ll finish cooking in the sauce while baking. Drain the pasta and set it aside; resist the urge to rinse it—those starchy strands will help the sauce cling beautifully.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook for about three minutes, stirring frequently until it softens and smells wonderfully sweet. Add the garlic and mushrooms, letting them mingle and cook for five minutes more until the mushrooms turn tender and golden. This base brings big, savory flavor to your Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini.
Step 4: Mix Up That Creamy Sauce
In your largest mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, both cream soups, sour cream, chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Whisk it all together until the sauce is smooth and perfectly blended. This is your comfort-food magic potion!
Step 5: Bring It Together
Stir the sautéed vegetables into the sauce, then add the cooked pasta. Use tongs or a big spoon to ensure every noodle gets coated in that luscious sauce. Fold in 1 cup of mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese for topping-to-core cheesiness. Pour the entire mixture into your greased baking dish, gently spreading it into an even layer.
Step 6: Layer the Toppings
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the cheddar on top. Finish with a generous shower of breadcrumbs, which will toast into a crispy, golden crown as the casserole bakes. These layers promise every scoop will have just the right ratio of creamy, cheesy filling and crunchy topping.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your casserole into the oven uncovered and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini is ready when it’s bubbling at the edges, and the top is deeply golden and irresistibly fragrant. Let it rest for about 10 minutes out of the oven to set up for perfect, tidy servings.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle with the chopped parsley. That burst of green not only looks gorgeous against all the creamy, golden goodness, but cuts through the richness for a truly balanced bite.
How to Serve Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini
Garnishes
The finishing touch on Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini makes all the difference—scatter plenty of chopped parsley over the top to liven up the color and brighten the flavor. If you adore extra zest, a sprinkle of lemon zest or a dash more Parmesan will work wonders too.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is rich and filling, I love to serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a medley of roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans. Garlicky bread never hurts for soaking up any leftover sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow a crowd, portion your Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini into individual ramekins before baking for mini servings. For a family-style look, serve straight from the baking dish at the table—don’t forget a big serving spoon for those cheese pulls! A sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds can also add a nutty crunch for a twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the cooled casserole with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to four days, making this a meal-prep dream for busy weeks.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini can be frozen after assembly (before baking) or after it has baked and cooled. Just wrap tightly in foil and plastic, label, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 25–30 minutes). For single servings, a microwave does the trick, just add a splash of broth to keep it moist and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a flavorful, convenient swap that saves you time and adds extra depth. Just shred or chop it well before adding to the mix.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt works perfectly in place of sour cream for a tangier, lighter twist. You’ll still get that creamy texture that makes Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini irresistible.
Can I make Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free condensed soups and breadcrumbs to keep the flavors classic and comforting without the gluten.
How far ahead can I assemble this casserole?
You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day ahead. Tightly cover and refrigerate, then bake just before you’re ready to serve. This makes Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini perfect for busy nights or holiday meals.
Why does my casserole get dry?
If your Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini seems dry, you may have overbaked it or not added quite enough liquid. Next time, check for doneness a bit early, or drizzle a few extra tablespoons of broth into the pasta mixture before baking to ensure every bite stays rich and moist.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini a try soon—it’s one of those reliable, soul-soothing casseroles that never goes out of style. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s sure to be a hit at any table. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your masterpiece with someone you love!
Print
Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini recipe. Creamy and rich, this pasta bake is loaded with chicken, mushrooms, and a blend of cheeses, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
Sauce and Cheese:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and mushrooms, cook until tender.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Add sautéed onion and mushrooms, mix well.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in cooked pasta until coated, then fold in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Transfer to baking dish.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top, then breadcrumbs. Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and baked before serving.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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