Chicken Tetrazzini: A Creamy, Comforting Pasta Casserole for Any Occasion

Chef Emy Robert

October 4, 2024

Chicken Tetrazzini: A Creamy Comfort Food Classic

Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic pasta casserole dish that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, all baked together for a warm and comforting meal. This dish is a staple in many households because it’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a potluck, Chicken Tetrazzini never disappoints.

This dish is also incredibly versatile. Not only can you use leftover chicken or turkey, but the combination of creamy sour cream, rich cream of chicken soup, and layers of melted cheese make it a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a classic Chicken Tetrazzini recipe, this Belly Full Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is a great resource to get started.

Why Chicken Tetrazzini is a Family Favorite

There are several reasons why Chicken Tetrazzini has remained a popular dish for decades:

Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream creates a luscious sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.
Easy to Customize: This recipe can easily be adapted to your taste preferences. You can use rotisserie chicken, add vegetables like mushrooms or peas, or experiment with different cheeses.
Great for Leftovers: Chicken Tetrazzini is also an ideal dish for using up leftover chicken or turkey from previous meals. For those looking for a slightly different take, this Spend With Pennies Easy Chicken Tetrazzini offers another quick and simple approach to this classic dish.

Ingredients for Chicken Tetrazzini

To make the perfect Chicken Tetrazzini, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken: Use pre-cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this dish.
Pasta: Thin spaghetti is the traditional pasta used in Tetrazzini, but you can substitute with fettuccine or linguine if preferred.
Cream of Chicken Soup and Cream of Mushroom Soup: These canned soups form the base of the sauce, adding creaminess and flavor.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a slight tang and creaminess that complements the richness of the soups.
Cheese: A combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses is used to top the casserole, creating a golden, bubbly crust.
Vegetables: Peas, mushrooms, and even carrots can be added for flavor, color, and texture. Frozen peas work best for convenience.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder round out the flavors of the dish.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Chicken Tetrazzini

Follow these steps to create the perfect Chicken Tetrazzini:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

If you’re using raw chicken, cook it in boiling water until it’s fully cooked. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces once it has cooled slightly. You can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente (slightly firm) since it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, and chicken broth. Add in the seasonings: salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Gently fold in the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and peas (if using) into the sauce mixture. Toss everything until the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the chicken and pasta mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. This creates a golden, cheesy crust as the dish bakes.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce to thicken and allows the flavors to meld together.

Recipe Variations for Chicken Tetrazzini

One of the best things about Chicken Tetrazzini is that it’s highly adaptable. Here are a few variations to try:

Turkey Tetrazzini: Perfect for using up leftover turkey after Thanksgiving. Substitute the chicken with shredded turkey for a tasty post-holiday meal.
Vegetarian Tetrazzini: Skip the chicken and add in sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, and spinach for a veggie-packed version of this casserole.
Seafood Tetrazzini: Replace the chicken with shrimp or crab for a seafood-inspired twist.
Keto-Friendly Tetrazzini: Swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to make a low-carb version of this creamy dish.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken Tetrazzini is a rich and satisfying dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Here are a few ideas:

Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Balance the richness of the dish with simple roasted carrots, broccoli, or asparagus.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect way to cut through the creaminess of the casserole.

Tips for Perfecting Chicken Tetrazzini

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy after baking.
Customize Your Vegetables: Add mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes to boost the flavor and nutritional value.
Add a Crunchy Topping: For a crunchy finish, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers over the cheese layer before baking.
Freezer-Friendly: Chicken Tetrazzini freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Chicken Tetrazzini be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it and store it in the fridge, then bake it when ready.

2. Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?

Absolutely. Chicken Tetrazzini is freezer-friendly. Assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

3. What’s the best pasta to use for Chicken Tetrazzini?

Thin spaghetti is traditional, but linguine or fettuccine are great substitutes.

4. Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini without canned soup?

Yes, you can make your own sauce by using a roux of butter, flour, and chicken broth instead of the canned soups.

5. How do I prevent my Chicken Tetrazzini from drying out?

Make sure to cover the casserole with foil while baking to trap moisture. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to let the cheese brown.

Conclusion: A Comfort Food Favorite

Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or simply as a freezer-friendly meal prep option, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

For more inspiration on this comforting dish, check out this AllRecipes Classic Chicken Tetrazzini, which offers a traditional take on this beloved recipe.