What Is Chicken Tetrazzini, Exactly?
Chicken Tetrazzini is a baked pasta casserole that blends cooked chicken with a creamy sauce and pasta—usually spaghetti or linguine—topped with cheese and sometimes breadcrumbs for a crispy finish. It’s one of those old-school comfort meals that feels like a warm hug in a dish.
Simple, hearty, and endlessly customizable, it’s ideal for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping ahead of time. And yes, even picky eaters usually go back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s what makes this dish a keeper:
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Creamy & comforting – The sauce is rich, smooth, and perfectly coats every bite of pasta and chicken.
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Budget-friendly – You can use leftover chicken or a rotisserie to cut costs and save time.
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Versatile – Add peas, mushrooms, or other veggies if you like, or switch up the pasta to use what you have.
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Family-approved – Kids and adults alike love this one. It’s a go-to for picky eaters and makes great leftovers.
Bonus: It’s an easy freezer meal—make it ahead and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (leftover or rotisserie works great)
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12 oz spaghetti or other long pasta
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup frozen peas (optional but recommended)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
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Optional garnish: chopped parsley or grated Parmesan
How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Mix the sauce in a large bowl: Combine soup, sour cream, broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add chicken and peas to the sauce and stir to combine.
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Toss with pasta until everything is evenly coated.
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Transfer to a baking dish, then top with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
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Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or Parmesan.
What to Serve with Chicken Tetrazzini
This casserole is rich and filling, so lighter sides are a great complement. Try it with:
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A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
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Steamed green beans or broccoli
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Garlic bread or crusty rolls
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A glass of iced tea or sparkling lemonade for refreshment
Tips for the Best Chicken Tetrazzini
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Don’t overcook the pasta – it’ll cook a bit more in the oven, so stop at al dente.
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Make it your own – toss in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Change up the cheese – mozzarella, Gruyère, or Swiss can add interesting twists.
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Keep leftovers creamy – when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to keep the texture smooth.
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions with a splash of liquid.
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken and frozen peas (if using) to the sauce. Mix well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken sauce mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the bread crumbs.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and enjoy.
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