There’s something undeniably magical about pulling a bubbling, cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini from the oven. With tender strands of linguine wrapped in a velvety sauce, chunks of juicy chicken, and earthy mushrooms, this Chicken Tetrazzini practically defines comfort food. What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinarily delicious while being surprisingly easy to prepare.
Did you know that Chicken Tetrazzini was originally created in San Francisco and named after the famous Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini? This American-Italian fusion has stood the test of time for good reason – it hits all the right notes of flavor and texture!
What Is Chicken Tetrazzini?
Ever wondered why such a luxurious pasta dish carries such a musical name? Chicken Tetrazzini was created in honor of Italian opera soprano Luisa Tetrazzini in the early 1900s by a creative chef in San Francisco. What better way to honor a star than with a dish that sings with flavor? They say “the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach,” and this Chicken Tetrazzini proves it with its harmonious blend of tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a symphony of creamy, cheesy goodness. While it sounds fancy, don’t be intimidated! This approachable casserole is surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to earn standing ovations from everyone at your dinner table. Why not bring this culinary masterpiece to life in your own kitchen tonight?
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Ultimate Comfort Casserole
This isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s the epitome of comfort food with its luxuriously creamy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and that cheesy golden crust creates a texture and flavor experience that’s truly unforgettable. Each bite delivers warmth and satisfaction that can turn even the most ordinary weeknight into something special.
Budget-Friendly Family Meal
One of the most beautiful aspects of this dish is how economical it is. It brilliantly transforms leftover rotisserie chicken or previously cooked chicken breasts into something extraordinary. The ingredients are pantry and refrigerator staples that won’t break the bank, yet the result tastes like something from a high-end restaurant. This recipe also generously serves 9, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring you have delicious leftovers for days to come.
Versatile and Adaptable
What makes this casserole truly special is its adaptability. Don’t care for mushrooms? Substitute with peas or another vegetable you prefer. Need to use up different pasta shapes? Go ahead! The creamy, flavorful sauce works beautifully with everything from fettuccine to penne. Plus, you can assemble it ahead of time and bake when needed, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
If you’ve enjoyed our Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole, you’ll find this offers the same soul-warming comfort with a unique pasta twist. Why not add this versatile dish to your weekly rotation?
How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini
Quick Overview
This Chicken Tetrazzini comes together more easily than you might think, considering its impressive final result. In about 20 minutes of prep and an hour of cooking, you’ll have a bubbling, golden casserole that’s guaranteed to please. The secret lies in the silky sauce that brings everything together, creating a luxurious texture that elevates simple ingredients to something truly special. And the best part? You likely already have most ingredients for Chicken Tetrazzini in your kitchen!
Key Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti : Opt for a high-quality durum wheat semolina, bronze-cut pasta for the best texture and to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy during baking.
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken : A time-saver! You can also use 1.5 lbs of chicken breast, cooked and diced.
- 1 lb button mushrooms, thickly sliced : Adds a wonderful earthy flavor and meaty texture.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped : Provides a subtle sweet foundation of flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced : Adds aromatic depth.
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter : Creates the base for the roux that thickens the sauce.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour : Works with the butter to form a roux that gives the sauce its perfect consistency.
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth : Adds savory richness.
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice : A touch of brightness that balances the creamy richness.
- 2 cups half & half : Creates luxurious creaminess. You can substitute with equal parts milk and heavy cream.
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste : Proper seasoning is key to depth of flavor.
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper : Adds subtle warmth and depth.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish : Provides fresh color and flavor contrast.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese : Creates an irresistible golden, cheesy crust.
Preparing the Base for Chicken Tetrazzini
- Prepare your workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13 casserole dish. This preparation ensures the pasta won’t stick and the Chicken Tetrazzini will bake evenly.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then generously salt it until it “tastes like ocean water.” Add your linguine or spaghetti and cook until barely al dente according to package instructions. Be careful not to overcook as the pasta will continue to soften in the oven. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their moisture. Add the finely chopped onion and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the onions become soft and golden. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 1 minute more until fragrant. Transfer this mixture to a plate or cutting board.
Creating the Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Sauce
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1/3 cup flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it turns lightly golden. This cooks out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. This gradual addition prevents lumps from forming. Add the half & half and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked pasta to its pot and add the shredded chicken, sautéed mushroom mixture, chopped parsley, and all of the creamy sauce. Stir gently to combine everything evenly. If the Chicken Tetrazzini mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Baking Your Chicken Tetrazzini to Perfection
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the Chicken Tetrazzini pasta mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake to perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. This allows everything to heat through without drying out. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly. For an extra golden top on your Chicken Tetrazzini, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with additional freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving your delicious Chicken Tetrazzini.
What to Serve Chicken Tetrazzini With
This rich and satisfying Chicken Tetrazzini pairs beautifully with lighter sides that provide contrast to its creamy texture:
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of Chicken Tetrazzini perfectly.
- Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: These bright vegetables add color and nutritional balance to your Chicken Tetrazzini meal.
- Garlic Bread: For those who want to embrace the carbs, a slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra Chicken Tetrazzini sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers add a caramelized sweetness that complements the creamy pasta.
- Light White Wine: A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the creamy Chicken Tetrazzini sauce.
Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken Tetrazzini
Pasta Selection and Cooking
- Choose the right pasta: For the best Chicken Tetrazzini, select a durum wheat semolina pasta that will hold up during baking without becoming mushy.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it firmly al dente when boiling as it will continue to cook in the oven. Using high-quality pasta makes a noticeable difference in the final texture of your Chicken Tetrazzini.
Make-Ahead and Customization Options
- Prepare in advance: Chicken Tetrazzini can be fully assembled up to a day ahead and refrigerated, making it perfect for entertaining. Just add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time if cooking from cold.
- Customize to your taste: Not a mushroom fan? Substitute with 1-2 cups of frozen peas, added directly to the Chicken Tetrazzini sauce. You could also add roasted red peppers or sautéed spinach.
Flavor and Texture Enhancements
- Boost the flavor: For an extra flavor boost in your Chicken Tetrazzini, add 1/4 cup of dry white wine when making the sauce or mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan along with the mozzarella.
- Perfect the texture: If your Chicken Tetrazzini sauce seems too thick before baking, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Too thin? Let it simmer a few minutes longer before combining with the pasta.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Tetrazzini
Refrigerator Storage
Allow Chicken Tetrazzini leftovers to cool completely before covering and storing in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 5 days, making this dish perfect for meal prep.
Freezing Instructions
This Chicken Tetrazzini freezes beautifully! You can freeze it either before or after baking:
- Before baking: Assemble the Chicken Tetrazzini completely (except for the cheese topping), cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the cheese, and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
- After baking: Divide Chicken Tetrazzini leftovers into individual portions, cool completely, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating for Creamy Results
The secret to reheating Chicken Tetrazzini without it drying out is adding a little moisture:
- Microwave: Add a splash of milk, half & half, or even water to each portion before reheating at 70% power, stirring halfway through.
- Oven: Place Chicken Tetrazzini in an oven-safe dish, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream, cover with foil, and heat at 325°F until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes).
Craving More Chicken Recipes? Try These Delicious Dishes!
If you loved making Chicken Tetrazzini, why stop there? Check out these mouthwatering chicken recipes that will spice up your dinner rotation:
- Cajun Chicken Pasta – A spicy, creamy pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner!
- Chicken Piccata Meatballs – Tender, juicy meatballs in a tangy lemon-caper sauce. A delightful twist on a classic!
- Pipian Recipe – Dive into this rich, savory chicken dish made with a vibrant pumpkin seed sauce. Perfect for something unique!
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken – Crispy, golden chicken with a fraction of the oil. You won’t believe how easy it is!
- Chinese Chicken Salad – A refreshing, crunchy salad packed with flavorful chicken and a zingy dressing.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu – A classic favorite with chicken, ham, and melty cheese—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside.
- Chicken Kathi Roll – A handheld treat with marinated chicken wrapped in a warm, flavorful flatbread.
- Instant Pot Chicken Stew – A hearty, comforting stew made in a fraction of the time with your Instant Pot.
These recipes are guaranteed to satisfy your chicken cravings. Try them today and discover even more delicious ways to enjoy chicken!
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Chicken Tetrazzini
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Description
This Chicken Tetrazzini transforms simple ingredients into a luxuriously creamy, cheesy pasta casserole that’s perfect for family dinners. Using rotisserie chicken makes it quick and easy, while the homemade sauce creates depth of flavor that can’t be matched by shortcuts. The golden, bubbly cheese topping takes this Chicken Tetrazzini to the next level of comfort food perfection.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb button mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Cook pasta in well-salted water until barely al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and sauté mushrooms for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add chopped onions and cook 5-7 minutes until soft and golden. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute more. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour until lightly golden (1-2 minutes).
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add half & half and bring to a simmer, whisking until thickened.
- Combine pasta, chicken, mushroom mixture, parsley, and sauce in a large pot. Add reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
- Transfer to prepared casserole dish and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 15 minutes more.
- Optional: broil for 1-2 minutes to create golden spots on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving your delicious Chicken Tetrazzini.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9 servings
- Calories: 573 kcal
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
