Easy Chicken Tetrazzini – Creamy, Cheesy, Family-Friendly Comfort

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is your weeknight dinner hero. You know the drill—everyone’s tired, you’ve got half an hour, and you need something filling, family-approved, and ideally requiring zero trips to the store. That’s where this cheesy, creamy pasta bake steps in like a warm hug in casserole form.

Packed with tender rotisserie chicken, gooey layers of mozzarella and cheddar, and that rich, dreamy sauce made from sour cream and cream cheese (yep, both), this dish doesn’t just satisfy—it wins hearts. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, a ravenous crew, or just yourself after a long day, Easy Chicken Tetrazzini gets dinner done with style and zero fuss. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again—because comfort food doesn’t have to mean complicated.

Table of Contents

What is Easy Chicken Tetrazzini?

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is an American comfort food classic that combines pasta (usually linguini or spaghetti), shredded chicken, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. It originally started as a fancy dish named after the Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini, but trust me, there’s nothing fussy about this version.

It’s more about pantry staples and getting dinner on the table fast. You’ll find it’s somewhere between a creamy chicken Alfredo and a baked spaghetti casserole—only better, thanks to layers of cheese and the shortcut of using rotisserie chicken. It’s the type of meal you serve when you want something hearty without pulling out every pot in your kitchen. And bonus: it’s a fabulous make-ahead dish for meal prep or potlucks.

Reasons to Try Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

First off, it’s called easy for a reason. You’re tossing together pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, pasta, and a few dairy staples—and voila! Dinner. Second, it’s a full-blown comfort food casserole that’s crowd-pleasing, kid-friendly, and perfect for leftovers (if there are any).

You also don’t need to be a culinary wizard to make it happen. If you can boil pasta and stir a spoon, you’ve got this. Plus, it’s versatile. You can swap the pasta type, sneak in some veggies like peas or mushrooms, or double it for a freezer meal. It’s just cozy, cheesy goodness in a baking dish—what’s not to love? And if you’re into other creamy comfort foods, you might love my Creamy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, too.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

• 16 oz linguini (or use spaghetti, fettuccine, or bucatini)
• ¼ cup butter (for greasing the casserole dish)
• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried parsley (plus more for topping)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Ready to bring comfort to your table? This step-by-step guide will walk you through making Easy Chicken Tetrazzini from start to finish, no guesswork involved. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a total beginner, this detailed breakdown will help you create a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s weeknight-ready and worthy of second helpings. Let’s dive in, step by step.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This might seem like a basic move, but getting your oven hot from the get-go means your casserole bakes evenly and reaches that perfect golden brown top. While it’s warming up, you can tackle the other prep steps.

Tip: Not sure if your oven runs hot or cold? Use an oven thermometer to double-check—it can make a big difference in recipes like this where the cheese topping is everything.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt (it should taste like the sea), and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in 16 oz of linguini, or swap it for spaghetti, bucatini, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. Cook it al dente—that means it should still have a slight bite since it’ll continue cooking in the oven.

Drain the pasta and set it aside. Avoid rinsing it; you want that starch to help the sauce cling.

Looking for other pasta-friendly recipes? Don’t miss this creamy One Pot Taco Spaghetti Bake—another family favorite that uses everyday pantry staples.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sauce ingredients to create that rich, velvety base that brings the whole casserole together. Add the following:

• 2 cans of cream of chicken soup
• 1 (8 oz) block of softened cream cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 5 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp black pepper

Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the cream cheese is too cold, pop it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften. This step-by-step method guarantees a lump-free sauce that coats every bite of pasta.

Want to swap out ingredients? You can find ideas in our preparation tips and substitutions guide for using Greek yogurt, homemade cream soup, or other broth alternatives.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Now for the main event—bring everything together. Add your cooked pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses directly into the bowl of sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure the pasta is evenly coated and the chicken is nestled in with every swirl.

Shortcut Tip: Using rotisserie chicken saves loads of time. If you’ve got leftover turkey, that works too—especially after the holidays!

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Grease your casserole dish with ¼ cup of butter (you can just rub the stick around or melt it). This step prevents sticking and adds extra richness to the edges of your bake.

Pour in the chicken and pasta mixture and spread it out evenly. Then, layer the top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar, plus ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese for a flavorful finish. A sprinkle of dried parsley gives it that “just like Grandma’s” touch.

Craving more casseroles? Try our Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole for another creamy, crave-worthy bake.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last 5 minutes—once the cheese on top starts bubbling and browning, it’s done.

If you like extra crispiness (who doesn’t?), switch your oven to broil for the final 2–3 minutes. Just be sure to watch it closely—cheese can go from golden to scorched in seconds.

Curious about how to avoid dry casseroles? Read more in our cooking mistakes to avoid guide.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once baked, let your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This short rest helps everything set up nicely, making it easier to scoop without the sauce sliding everywhere.

Serve it up with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a side of green beans. And yes, this reheats like a dream—perfect for leftovers or lunch the next day.

Want to round out your meal? Our Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup makes a perfect side for chillier nights.

What to Serve with Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is already a full meal in many ways, but pairing it with the right sides takes it from “yum” to “you made what?!”. Serve it with garlic bread or buttery Texas toast for scooping up every last cheesy bit. A fresh side salad adds a nice crunch and balances the richness (try mixed greens with a lemony vinaigrette). Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus works great too—simple veggies to round out your plate. Got picky eaters? Serve it with apple slices or baby carrots and let them dip them in ranch. No judgment here. Bonus idea: whip up Crack Chicken Noodle Soup on the side for a soup-and-pasta dinner combo that’s downright dreamy.

Key Tips for Making Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

1. Use rotisserie chicken to save time and boost flavor. It’s pre-cooked and already seasoned—win-win.
2. Undercook the pasta slightly—since it bakes in sauce, it’ll finish cooking in the oven. No one wants mushy noodles.
3. Mix while the cream cheese is soft, or even warm it slightly. It blends smoother and saves your arm from whisking like a maniac.
4. Add veggies if you want—mushrooms, peas, or spinach sneak in easily here.
5. Use a deep dish—this is a big, hearty bake, so give it room to bubble without overflowing.
6. Let it rest before serving—those cheesy layers need a few minutes to settle so you get clean slices.

Want another big-batch hit? You’ll love this creamy One Pot Taco Spaghetti Bake.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Leftovers? Oh yes—Easy Chicken Tetrazzini keeps like a champ. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. To reheat from the fridge, cover and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until hot throughout. You can also microwave single servings, but add a splash of broth or milk to keep it from drying out. From frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Pro tip: freeze in individual portions for easy lunches!

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rotini work. Just make sure it’s not overcooked before baking.

Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Is there a way to lighten it up?
Try using light sour cream, low-fat cream cheese, and reduced-fat cheese. You could even use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.

Can I add vegetables?
Totally! Add cooked mushrooms, peas, or spinach for some extra color and nutrition.

How do I keep it from drying out?
Make sure your sauce mixture is well combined and covers the noodles. Cover with foil during the first half of baking if you’re worried about drying.

Final Thoughts

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile—and maybe even seconds. It’s simple, satisfying, and flexible enough for whatever’s in your fridge. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, doing a little meal prep, or just treating yourself to a comfort food moment, this casserole’s got your back. You’ve got the steps, the shortcuts, and the cheesy payoff. And if you’re loving this kind of easy family dinner, don’t miss our crowd-pleasers like Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole or Amish Country Casserole—because life’s too short for bland dinners.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

Print