If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy flavors and tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta, this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a luscious sauce made with creamy soups and sour cream coating tender chicken and al dente linguine, all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich, cozy comfort food and simple ingredients that make weeknight dinners or family gatherings a breeze. Trust me, once you dive in, this dish will keep shining as a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, accessible ingredients is the secret to making this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe sing. Each component plays a special role, from giving the sauce its velvety smooth texture to layering flavors and ensuring the perfect bake.
- Linguine (16-ounce package): Pick your favorite pasta shape like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti, but be sure to cook it al dente for the ideal bite.
- Chicken breasts (4, cooked and diced): Tender, cooked chicken adds hearty protein and a satisfying texture.
- Cream of chicken soup (2 cans, 10.5-ounce each): This forms the rich, creamy base of your sauce with savory depth.
- Sour cream (2 cups): Adds tangy creaminess that brightens up the sauce beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Elevates the sauce with a silky richness.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Helps thin the sauce just enough and infuses extra chicken flavor.
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes (1 teaspoon): A perfect seasoning blend that boosts flavor without overpowering.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle hint of spice to balance the creamy sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into a gooey, golden topping that everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Adds a sharp, savory finish to the cheese crust.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to ensuring the casserole bakes evenly and that lovely golden top forms. While the oven warms, you can start preparing the other elements.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta of choice—linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti—according to the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente. Drain it well and set aside to prevent any sogginess later.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened butter, chicken broth, garlic salt with parsley flakes, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until everything melts together into a smooth, creamy sauce that will coat the pasta and chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked pasta and the diced chicken breasts to the sauce mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly so every noodle and piece of chicken is lovingly covered in that flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then transfer the pasta and chicken mixture evenly into the dish, spreading it out smoothly.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire surface, making sure to cover it evenly. Follow that with a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for that extra savory punch.
Step 7: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld and the sauce bubble up deliciously under gentle heat.
Step 8: Brown the Top
Carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbling irresistibly.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This brief cooling lets everything set just right, making it easier to serve and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite of your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few basil leaves adds a fresh, herbal note and a beautiful pop of green color that contrasts perfectly with the golden cheese crust.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even some garlic bread for dipping into every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole family-style in the baking dish right at the table for a cozy vibe, or plate individual portions with a side salad artfully drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a fresher, lighter balance to the richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Easy Chicken Tetrazzini tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready to satisfy next-day cravings.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by covering it very well with foil and plastic wrap. It stays delicious in the freezer for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power to avoid toughening the chicken or making the sauce overly thick.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and perfectly cooked chicken without extra prep time.
What pasta works best for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe?
Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are classic choices because their shape holds the creamy sauce nicely, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Traditional pasta and cream of chicken soup contain gluten, but you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free soup to make a delicious, safe version.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Using dairy-free sour cream, butter substitutes, and dairy-free cheese can make this dish friendly for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
How do I get a crunchy topping on my Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe?
Sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter over the cheese before baking uncovered for the last 10 minutes. This adds a wonderful crunchy texture contrast.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe. Its cozy creaminess, cheesy top, and tender chicken make it a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Give it a whirl sometime soon and make those weeknight dinners feel like something special and memorable.
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Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is a creamy, comforting pasta casserole featuring tender chicken, a rich sour cream and cream of chicken soup sauce, and a cheesy topping baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines simple ingredients with classic flavors for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16-ounce) package linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
Sauce
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature for the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened butter, chicken broth, garlic salt with parsley flakes, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated to create a smooth sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and diced chicken breasts into the sauce mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy sauce.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface, then follow with an even layer of grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful crust.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows it to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked turkey or leftover roasted chicken for the chicken breasts.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- Adding mushrooms or peas can provide extra vegetables and flavor.
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Covering with foil during the first baking helps retain moisture, while uncovering at the end crisps the top.
