Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is the perfect easy weeknight dinner. It combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce topped with golden cheese. Ready in under an hour, it’s a comforting family meal that everyone will love. For more creamy pasta dishes, try the Creamy Cajun Sausage Ravioli Recipe or the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe.

Ingredients

This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and earthy mushrooms in a rich, cheesy sauce that bakes to golden perfection.

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or 1.5 lbs cooked chicken breast
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb button mushrooms, thickly sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cups half-and-half (or equal parts milk and heavy cream)
• 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	55 minutes

Context: This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Season 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding or cubing.

Step 2 — Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain well but do not rinse to help the sauce cling to the pasta.

Step 3 — Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and 1 diced onion, cooking until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4 — Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with ½ teaspoon of black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg for authentic Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole flavor.

Step 5 — Combine All Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and creamy sauce until evenly coated. For extra richness, fold in ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6 — Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. For a golden crust, sprinkle with ¼ cup of breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let the Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set properly.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	18g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey or Tofu — Swap chicken for lean ground turkey or cubed firm tofu for a lighter protein option with similar texture.
• Zucchini Noodles — Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that adds freshness.
• Cauliflower Rice — Use cauliflower rice instead of pasta to significantly reduce carbs while maintaining a satisfying base.
• Coconut Milk — Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a rich, dairy-free creamy sauce with subtle tropical notes.
• Almond Flour — Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour for a gluten-free topping that adds nutty flavor and crispiness.
• Nutritional Yeast — Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free, low-sodium option that provides cheesy umami flavor.
• Low-Sodium Broth — Opt for low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to control salt content without sacrificing savory depth.
• Greek Yogurt — Swap some cream with plain Greek yogurt for tangy creaminess with added protein and less fat.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad featuring vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness of the Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole.
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus or steamed green beans for a complete, balanced meal.
• Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings where comfort food is the star attraction.
• Ideal for cozy weeknight dinners when you want something hearty and satisfying.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for enhanced flavor and presentation.
• Use individual ramekins for elegant portion control at dinner parties.
• Accompany with crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.

This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is versatile enough for both casual family meals and special occasions, making it a reliable favorite in any recipe collection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using dry, overcooked chicken. Fix: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or gently poach your own to keep it moist.
• Mistake: Creating a greasy sauce by using the chicken drippings directly. Fix: Degrease your pan drippings before making the roux for a cleaner, richer flavor.
• Mistake: Overcooking the pasta before baking. Fix: Cook the pasta just to al dente so it absorbs the sauce without turning mushy.
• Mistake: Skipping the step to toast the breadcrumb topping. Fix: Toss breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and toast them in a pan for a golden, crunchy finish.
• Mistake: Using a bland, pre-shredded cheese blend. Fix: Freshly grate a high-quality Parmesan or Gruyère for superior melting and flavor.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the sauce, assuming the cheese is enough. Fix: Taste and season your creamy sauce generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
• Mistake: Not letting the casserole rest after baking. Fix: Allow it to set for 10-15 minutes so the sauce thickens and servings hold their shape.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the baking dish, leading to uneven cooking. Fix: Use a 9×13-inch dish to ensure proper heat distribution for a perfectly baked casserole.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is reheated to a safe temperature of 165°F before serving.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. If you love this recipe, try our Ground Beef Pot Pie Recipe next. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more delicious family meals!

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FAQs

Can I make Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in this recipe?

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. Keep in mind that the sauce for your Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole will be slightly less rich and thick, but it will still be delicious.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven until warmed through.