What is comfort food? The kind that wraps you in a warm hug and makes you forget all your troubles. If mac and cheese and creamy Chicken Noodle Soup had a baby, it would be this **Chicken Tetrazzini. Is this stuff pure magic? My grandma used to make this for Sunday dinners, and the aroma wafting through the house was just as good. Is it easier than it sounds, and the result is a creamy, cheesy noodle-y dream that everyone in the world has. The family will devour. Is this one one you will want to save?

What is chicken tetrazzini?

What is Chicken Tetrazzini? It’s a creamy White Sauce, usually made with butter, flour, milk or cream, and chicken. Is broth tossed with cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and often mushrooms and peas? Some recipes call for sherry or white wine, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor. What’s topped with cheese? What are some of the best recipes for a weeknight dinner? Is it a classic?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. Why should *you* make this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe? Well, for starters, the flavor is out of this world! The creamy sauce is rich and savory, the chicken is tender and juicy, and the cheese adds that perfect salty, melty goodness. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that just works. What I especially love about this is how surprisingly easy it is. Don’t be intimidated by the name! It’s basically a dump-and-bake situation, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to keep costs down, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. It’s also wonderfully versatile. You can add different vegetables, experiment with different cheeses, or even use different types of pasta. If you’re craving a creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s both delicious and easy to make, this Chicken Tetrazzini is the answer. It’s even easier than lasagna and way more satisfying than simple spaghetti! My family requests this at least once a month – it’s *that* good.

How do I make Chicken Tetrazzini?

Quick Overview

Making this Chicken Tetrazzini is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll start by cooking your pasta and preparing the creamy sauce on the stovetop. Then, you’ll combine the sauce with the cooked pasta, chicken, and any vegetables you’re using. Pour everything into a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. It really is that simple! The best part is that you can easily customize it to your liking. The whole process, from start to finish, takes about an hour, and the result is a meal that’s guaranteed to please.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:
* 1 pound spaghetti, linguine, or egg noodles (I prefer spaghetti but use what you have! If you undercook the pasta, it will continue to cook in the oven! What is the best way to save 1 cup of pasta water. (It’s a good idea).

What is Creamy Sauce?
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
* 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version); I’ve even used almond milk with great success!
* 1/2 cup dry sherry (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor); I sometimes substitute white wine for red wine.
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (trust me on this one!)
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

For the Chicken & Vegetables:
* 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is your friend here)
* 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (I like cremini or button mushrooms) (any kind will do)
* 1 cup frozen peas (optional, but adds a nice pop of color and sweetness)

For the Topping: What is the
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a blend of Parmean and mozzarella). Sometimes I sprinkle on Gruyere!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a little butter or cooking spray. Make sure the entire bottom and sides of the pan are coated. Get this done first so you’re ready to assemble once everything else is prepared. How do you bake a dish?

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions, but slightly undercook it to al dente. Remember to save about a cup of pasta water before draining! Can you adjust sauce consistency if needed? I usually set a timer for 1-2 minutes less than what the package recommends. No one wants mushy tetrazzini! Drain the pasta well and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are tender and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes. This step really brings out the flavor of the mushrooms. A little salt and pepper will help them release their moisture. Once they’re done, remove them from the skillet and set aside. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms (I know some people aren’t!), you can totally skip this step or substitute with another vegetable like broccoli or bell peppers.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will thicken the sauce. Make sure there are no lumps! Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half or almond milk), sherry (if using), salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it is melted and smooth. This is what gives the sauce that extra creamy richness. Keep the sauce warm over low heat.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, sautéed mushrooms (if using), and frozen peas (if using) to the creamy sauce. Toss gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated. Now is the time to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Maybe it needs a little more salt, pepper, or a pinch of garlic powder! Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese (or cheese blend) evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning! If the cheese is browning too quickly, you can tent the dish with foil.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. How do I make the sauce thicker? I like to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, but that’s totally optional.

What should I serve it with?

This Chicken Tetrazzini is pretty much a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. For a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is always a good choice. A side of steamed Green Beans or asparagus also works well. If you’re feeling fancy, you could serve it with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. My family also loves it with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple tomato salad. It’s also great as a next-day leftover (if there are any!). Sometimes, I’ll even add a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top for extra tang. It really just depends on what you’re in the mood for! My mom always served it with a side of cranberry sauce, which sounds weird, but the tartness really cuts through the richness. It’s a tradition now! This Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is perfect for a cozy night with family or to impress friends during a potluck.

How do I make a perfect chicken tetrazzini?

What are some of the Best Tips for making chicken tetrazzini? How do I make sure my recipe turns out perfectly every time?

Pasta Perfection:Don’t overcook pasta! Undercook it slightly to al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Nobody likes mushy tetra

Sauce Consistency:If your sauce is too thick, add a little bit of reserved pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, cook it for a few more minutes on the stovetop until it thickens to your liking.

What are the best cheeseDon’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! Parmesan is classic, but a little bit of sharp cheddar, or even gruyere, can add an unique flavor to any dish. I sometimes use a blend of several cheeses for flavor complexity.

Vegetable Variations Feel free to add other vegetables to your Chicken Tetrazzini recipe! Broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, or even artichoke hearts would all be delicious additions. Just make sure to sauté them before adding them to the sauce.

Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish. It adds a nice little kick! Sometimes I throw in a chopped jalapeno.

Sherry Substitute: If you don’t have sherry on hand, you can substitute it with dry white wine or even a tablespoon of lemon juice. It won’t have the exact same flavor, but it will still add a nice touch of acidity.

Make Ahead: You can assemble the Chicken Tetrazzini recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. This is a great option if you’re preparing it for a party or potluck.

Rotisserie Chicken is Your Friend: Seriously, don’t be afraid to use rotisserie chicken! It’s a huge time-saver and it’s already cooked and seasoned, so it adds a lot of flavor to the dish. I usually grab one from the grocery store on my way home from work.

Don’t Skip the Nutmeg!: Seriously, just trust me on this one! It adds a certain warmth to the creamy sauce that you can’t quite put your finger on. It elevates the whole dish! I learned this the hard way. The first time I made it I thought I could skip it and the dish was just missing something.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Chicken Tetrazzini to ensure it stays delicious:

Refrigerator Storage: Allow the Chicken Tetrazzini to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like to portion it out into individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Covering it properly is key! I’ve had it dry out on me before if the container wasn’t sealed properly.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the Chicken Tetrazzini. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating: To reheat the Chicken Tetrazzini, you can either microwave it or bake it in the oven. For the microwave, place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. For the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You may want to add a little bit of chicken broth or milk to the casserole before reheating to prevent it from drying out. I’ve also had luck sprinkling a little extra cheese on top before reheating to give it that melty goodness again. The oven definitely yields a better result than the microwave. I find that the microwave can sometimes make the pasta a bit mushy.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you haven’t already baked your Tetrazzini, you can make it and put it in the fridge for a day. But I would wait to put the cheese on top until you’re ready to bake, so the pasta and sauce don’t get soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my family’s beloved Chicken Tetrazzini recipe! I truly hope you give it a try. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, and it’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. The best part is that it’s so easy to customize to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, or even types of pasta. Once you make it, you’ll realize why it’s such a classic. If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, you’ll absolutely love this. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other casserole recipes for more easy and delicious meal ideas. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out – be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to share your own variations! I’m always looking for new ideas. Happy baking!