Hey there, my friend 
. If you love creamy, cheesy, and comforting pasta dishes, you are in for a treat.
This chicken tetrazzini is everything you need in a cozy meal. It is rich, packed with tender chicken, and coated in a smooth, flavorful sauce. Plus, it is a great way to use up leftover chicken.
And guess what? You can make it all in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze. Let me show you how to put it all together.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
Important Info
- Servings: 6 hearty portions
- Estimated Cost to Make This Recipe: Around $12-$15, depending on ingredient prices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories Per Serving: About 450 calories
- Cook Method: Baking
- Season: Great all year round
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diets: Can be adapted for a LowCalorieDiet or LowLactoseDiet
How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | Fettuccine, penne, or any pasta |
| Chicken | Turkey or rotisserie chicken |
| Heavy cream | Whole milk or evaporated milk |
| Mushrooms | Bell peppers or zucchini |
| Mozzarella cheese | Cheddar or provolone |
| Parmesan cheese | Grated Romano or Asiago |
| Bread crumbs | Crushed crackers or panko |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and mushrooms. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle in the flour and mix well. Let it cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add the heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Mix in the sour cream, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- If using, add bread crumbs for a crispy topping.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- If you want a richer flavor, use a mix of chicken broth and white wine.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- For extra crunch, mix melted butter with the bread crumbs before sprinkling on top.
- Add peas or spinach for a veggie boost.
What to Serve with Chicken Tetrazzini
This dish is already packed with flavor, but you can pair it with:
- Garlic bread for a complete meal
- A fresh green salad to balance out the richness
- Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for extra veggies
How Do You Serve Chicken Tetrazzini?
I like serving it straight from the baking dish while it is still warm. A simple spoon or spatula is all you need. If you want to get fancy, serve it on a plate with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
Chicken tetrazzini is perfect for:
- Family dinners – It feeds a crowd and is always a hit.
- Potlucks – Easy to transport and stays warm for a long time.
- Holidays – A great way to use up leftover turkey or chicken.
- Meal prep – It stores well and reheats beautifully.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you plan to serve it within a few hours, cover the dish with foil and leave it at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Freezing
- Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes to reheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken tetrazzini ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as directed, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of chicken?
If you do not have chicken, turkey or even shrimp works great. Just make sure it is fully cooked before adding it to the dish.
Can I make this dish without dairy?
Yes, you can use dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and plant-based cheese to make it dairy-free. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Why is my sauce too thick?
If your sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or milk to loosen it. Stir well until you reach your desired consistency.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes. Kids can help stir the sauce, sprinkle cheese, and even mix the pasta. Just make sure an adult handles the stove and oven.
Meta Description
This chicken tetrazzini recipe is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for family dinners. Made with tender chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce, it is easy to make and delicious.