Introduction
Easy chicken tetrazzini is a timeless comfort dish that brings together tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce baked to golden perfection. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, satisfying, and family-friendly without spending hours in the kitchen. I started making this version when I needed a reliable meal that could be prepared ahead of time and still taste wonderful when reheated. The creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta, while the baked topping adds just enough texture to keep things interesting. It is the kind of dish that feels familiar and comforting, yet polished enough to serve to guests. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this easy chicken tetrazzini is a recipe you will return to again and again.
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Easy Chicken Tetrazzini – A Creamy Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
An easy and comforting chicken tetrazzini made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, pasta, and melted cheese, perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (120 g) sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic and mushrooms until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, milk, and cream until smooth and thickened.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
- You can add peas or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken tetrazzini is rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to prepare. It uses everyday ingredients, works well for leftovers, and is perfect for feeding a crowd. The balance of tender chicken, pasta, and sauce makes it a dependable comfort food favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Spaghetti serves as the base of the dish. Its shape holds the creamy sauce well and bakes evenly.
Cooked chicken adds protein and substance. Rotisserie chicken works especially well and saves time.
Butter creates a rich foundation for the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
All-purpose flour thickens the sauce and ensures a smooth, cohesive texture.
Chicken broth adds savory flavor and balances the richness of the cream.
Heavy cream gives the sauce its signature creamy consistency.
Garlic enhances flavor and adds warmth to the dish.
Mushrooms provide earthiness and texture that pair well with the creamy sauce.
Parmesan cheese adds sharpness and depth to the finished casserole.
Salt balances and enhances all flavors.
Black pepper adds subtle heat and seasoning.
Directions
Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the mushrooms until softened. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine the cooked spaghetti, chicken, and sauce in a large bowl. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven until heated through.
Variations and Customizations
Easy chicken tetrazzini is highly adaptable. You can substitute turkey for chicken, especially after holidays. Adding peas or spinach introduces color and freshness. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also swap spaghetti for linguine or fettuccine. For extra richness, a breadcrumb topping mixed with melted butter can be added before baking. Each variation maintains the comforting nature of the dish while allowing flexibility based on preference.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 42 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overcook Pasta: Slightly firm pasta holds up better when baked.
Smooth Sauce: Whisk continuously to prevent lumps.
Rest Before Serving: Allows the casserole to set for cleaner portions.
FAQs
Can I make chicken tetrazzini ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and bake when ready.
What chicken works best?
Rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken works very well.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze before baking for up to two months.
How do I prevent dryness?
Ensure enough sauce and avoid overbaking.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich.
Is chicken tetrazzini kid-friendly?
Yes, its creamy flavor is popular with children.
Conclusion
Easy chicken tetrazzini is a comforting, dependable casserole that combines creamy textures with hearty ingredients. Simple to prepare and perfect for leftovers, it is an ideal recipe for busy nights, family meals, or anytime you crave classic comfort food.
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