If you’ve ever searched for the ultimate comfort food that everyone in the family will crave again and again, this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is your answer. Creamy, cheesy, and bubbling with savory chicken, mushrooms, and spaghetti, this one-pan wonder comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum reward. My own family has declared this their “Sunday supper favorite,” and it’s bound to become a staple at your table too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll turn common kitchen staples into something extraordinary. Each component of this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe plays a special role in the taste, texture, or gorgeous golden color of the finished dish.
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta base that soaks up the creamy sauce while offering that perfect fork twirl.
- Chicken breast: Shredded for tenderness, it brings hearty protein and the signature “tetrazzini” flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps sauté the veggies to perfection.
- Onion: Finely chopped for subtle sweetness and a flavor foundation.
- Garlic: Two cloves for just the right amount of aromatic kick.
- Mushrooms: Earthy and savory, they team up with the chicken for a classic combo.
- Butter: Unsalted, for the creamy roux that binds everything together.
- All-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken your luscious sauce without making it heavy.
- Chicken broth: Delivers deep flavor to the creamy sauce.
- Whole milk: Makes the sauce silky and indulgent.
- Sour cream: For tang and extra creaminess you’ll notice in every bite.
- Salt: Essential for balance.
- Black pepper: A simple seasoning that enhances every other flavor.
- Garlic powder: A subtle insurance policy for full-bodied garlic taste.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty notes and helps brown the top.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly into gooey deliciousness.
- Breadcrumbs (optional): For the finishing touch of golden, crunchy topping.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Break the spaghetti in half (trust me, it makes mixing and serving so much easier!), then cook according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t worry if it sticks a bit—everything will get wonderfully creamy once combined.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions, Garlic, and Mushrooms
While your pasta cooks, heat that olive oil in a large skillet on medium. Toss in chopped onion and let it soften and turn fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, stirring for another 5 minutes or so, until the mushrooms shrink and develop that irresistible, slightly toasted aroma.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
To the mushroom mixture, add the butter and let it melt. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it together to form a silky roux—this is what gives your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe its signature body and richness. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking constantly. Watch it thicken magically over the next 3 to 4 minutes!
Step 4: Stir in the Creamy Magic
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the sour cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. The combination of fresh and powdered garlic means double depth of flavor. The sauce should look glossy and luxuriously creamy at this point.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Gently fold in your cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken, making sure every strand and every piece is coated with sauce. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, this step is a breeze. Feel free to sneak in a handful of frozen peas or mixed veggies for a little extra color and nutrition.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Transfer your creamy mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even, inviting layer. Shower the top with all that glorious Parmesan and mozzarella. If you love a crunchy crust (who doesn’t?), sprinkle breadcrumbs across the top.
Step 7: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Pop your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe into a 350°F oven, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. The cheese will gurgle and turn golden, and your kitchen will smell like cozy heaven. Give it a five-minute rest before digging in to let the flavors settle and make serving easier.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
You can’t go wrong with a shower of extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color. For a little zing, consider a dusting of black pepper or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving. It’s these little flourishes that take your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe from comforting to truly memorable!
Side Dishes
Think classic comfort: a bright, crisp salad with vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus make refreshing, light companions. For a more indulgent feast, serve alongside warm garlic bread or fluffy dinner rolls to mop up every drop of that dreamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, scoop your tetrazzini into individual ramekins for a restaurant-style look. Or, layer it into a deep bowl and top with a decorative swirl of cheese before baking. You can even pack leftovers into a thermos for an enviable work lunch—trust me, your coworkers will be jealous.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe store beautifully. Simply cover the baking dish with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen as they mingle overnight, making for even tastier reheats!
Freezing
For longer storage, assemble the tetrazzini right up to the point before baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few minutes to the time if needed to get it piping hot and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot, about 15 to 20 minutes for a whole pan. For individual servings, a quick trip through the microwave works wonderfully—just add a splash of milk to keep things creamy and stir halfway through to reheat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is the classic choice, fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work just as well. Choose what you love or what you have on hand.
Is there a shortcut for the sauce if I’m in a rush?
Yes—if you’re pressed for time, you can swap the homemade sauce for cream of mushroom soup thinned with a little milk. The flavor profile will change slightly but it’s still delicious and speedy!
Can I make this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe gluten free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Double-check that your broth is certified gluten free, and you’re set.
What vegetables can I add for more nutrition?
Peas, chopped spinach, or diced bell peppers are wonderful mix-ins. You can stir them in with the pasta and chicken for a pop of color and extra nutrients without much extra work.
Can I prep Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to a day ahead. When you’re ready to entertain, just bake as directed and serve hot—so easy!
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe enough—it’s creamy, cozy, and guaranteed to become one of your family favorites. Next time you need a meal that’s equal parts easy and impressive, reach for this recipe and watch the smiles around your table. Let me know how you enjoy it, and don’t forget to savor every cheesy, comforting bite!
Print
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, comforting goodness of this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe. Tender spaghetti, shredded chicken, and a rich, savory sauce topped with melted cheese, this casserole is a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tetrazzini:
- 12 oz spaghetti, broken in half
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms.
- Make the sauce: Create a roux with butter and flour, then gradually add broth and milk.
- Combine: Stir in sour cream, seasonings, chicken, and spaghetti.
- Assemble: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheeses and breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Bake until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option.
- Enhance with peas or veggies for added flavor.
- Shortcut: Use cream of mushroom soup in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
