When it comes to comfort food, Chicken Tetrazzini hits all the right notes — creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken tangled in a bed of golden pasta. It’s the kind of cozy casserole that fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with happy faces.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a Sunday meal, this classic is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a hug in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tetrazzini
It’s a one-pan wonder that combines rich flavor, satisfying texture, and easy preparation.
- Comforting & creamy: Buttery noodles meet a silky sauce baked with melted cheese.
- Feeds a crowd: Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or weeknight leftovers.
- Versatile: Great with leftover chicken or even turkey after the holidays.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Family-approved: Loved by both adults and kids alike.
I first learned to make this dish from a neighbor who shared her version after I helped fix her broken lawnmower.
Her casserole became the talk of our block party — creamy, cheesy perfection — and I’ve been tweaking it ever since. Now, it’s one of my most requested recipes at family dinners.
If you love creamy, oven-baked pasta dishes, check out my French Chicken Casserole — another cozy, crowd-pleasing classic with rich sauce and herb-kissed chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 (16-oz) package linguine pasta
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken, meat removed and chopped
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 (16-oz) container sour cream
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp dried parsley
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Turkey or leftover chicken — perfect for post-holiday meals.
- Peas or spinach — for added color and nutrition.
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack — to mix up your cheese flavor.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta — for dietary needs.
- Crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs — for extra crunch on top.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or oil. - Cook the pasta:
Bring salted water to a boil, cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well. - Prepare the sauce:
In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. - Add the chicken:
Stir in the chopped chicken and cooked pasta until everything is coated evenly with the creamy mixture. - Assemble the casserole:
Transfer to your baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. - Bake to perfection:
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a light golden top. - Garnish:
Sprinkle with dried parsley before serving for a pop of color.
Quick Reminders:
- Don’t overcook your pasta; it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let it rest 10 minutes after baking to set the sauce.
- For a browned top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use fresh rotisserie chicken for juicy, flavorful bites.
- Add veggies like peas or mushrooms to make it heartier.
- Double the recipe if cooking for a crowd — it freezes beautifully.
- Try a breadcrumb topping for texture and visual appeal.
- Mix your cheeses: Combining mozzarella and Parmesan adds great depth.
If you enjoy rich and cheesy pasta, you’ll love my Monterey Chicken Spaghetti. It’s a creamy, savory twist with a kick of spice and a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken Tetrazzini warm and bubbly right out of the oven with simple sides:
- Garlic bread or cheesy rolls
- Green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
- A light soup like my Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula
- Chilled lemonade or iced tea for a balanced meal
(My Tip: Always let your pasta bake rest before serving — it thickens and allows the flavors to blend perfectly.)
Storing and Reheating
How to Store It:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat It:
- Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Or microwave in short intervals with a splash of milk for moisture.
Avoid overcooking when reheating — just warm it until creamy and hot again.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Calcium: 280mg
- Iron: 2mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?
Absolutely — it freezes very well. Bake straight from frozen at 350°F, adding about 15 minutes extra cooking time.
Can I make this without canned soup?
Yes! Substitute with homemade cream sauce made from butter, flour, and milk for a fresher flavor.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Tetrazzini is the kind of dish that brings people together. It’s warm, rich, and layered with nostalgia — the perfect meal for cozy nights or family dinners.
Every forkful reminds you that simple ingredients can make something extraordinary.
- Creamy.
- Comforting.
- Completely unforgettable.
If you’re craving another comforting pasta bake, don’t miss my Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf — a hearty, flavor-packed twist on a family favorite.
Chicken Tetrazzini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil salted water and cook linguine until al dente, then drain.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Stir in chopped chicken and cooked pasta until evenly coated.
- Transfer mixture to the baking dish and top with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a light golden top.
- Sprinkle dried parsley before serving. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Turkey can be substituted for chicken.
- To make it pork-free, avoid any bacon toppings.
