Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe: A Creamy, Comforting Classic Made Easy at Home

Have you ever craved a dish that's creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying but thought it was too complicated to make at home? Chicken tetrazzini is one of those restaurant-quality meals that's surprisingly simple to prepare in your own kitchen. This classic Italian-American casserole combines tender chicken, pasta, mushrooms, and a luscious cream sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Making this chicken tetrazzini recipe at home lets you control the ingredients, avoid preservatives, and customize flavors to your family's taste—all while saving money and impressing your dinner guests. Whether you're hosting a potluck or need a cozy weeknight dinner, this easy chicken tetrazzini recipe delivers comfort in every bite.

Ingredients List

    • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
    • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
    • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
    • 1 small onion, finely diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
    • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

    • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
    • 1/2 cup dry white wine (or additional chicken broth)
    • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
    • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes

This recipe is faster than many casseroles and perfect for meal prep on Sunday. You can even assemble it the night before and bake it fresh the next day.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Tip: Slightly undercook the pasta by 1-2 minutes since it will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened and golden. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds a deep, savory base for your chicken tetrazzini recipe.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and white wine, whisking to prevent lumps. Add the heavy cream, nutmeg, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, peas (if using), and the creamy sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. This is where the magic of your easy chicken tetrazzini recipe comes together.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter and scatter over the cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 6):

    • Calories: 520
    • Protein: 32g
    • Carbohydrates: 48g
    • Fat: 22g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Vitamin A: 15% DV
    • Calcium: 25% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

For a Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or milk, and use whole wheat pasta to boost fiber.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with extra mushrooms, white beans, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

Meal Prep: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 10 extra minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.

Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for brightness and heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Overcooking the Pasta Mushy pasta ruins the texture. Always cook it 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests.

Mistake 2: Skipping the Roux Not cooking the flour properly can leave a raw, pasty taste. Stir the flour-butter mixture for at least 2 minutes before adding liquids.

Mistake 3: Using Pre-Shredded Cheese Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate your own for the creamiest results.

Mistake 4: Overbaking An overbaked casserole becomes dry. Watch for bubbling edges and golden-brown topping, then remove promptly.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store leftover chicken tetrazzini recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. For longer storage, freeze the assembled (unbaked) casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. You can also freeze baked leftovers; just reheat from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes. This easy chicken tetrazzini recipe is perfect for batch cooking and makes weeknight dinners a breeze when you have a comforting meal ready to go.