Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly cheesy, rich, and deeply satisfying Chicken Tetrazzini. This baked chicken spaghetti casserole is designed to be a dinner masterpiece that everyone at your table will adore. Made from scratch and surprisingly quick to prepare, especially when utilizing pre-cooked chicken, it’s the perfect recipe for a hearty weeknight meal or a special family gathering.
There’s an undeniable charm to baked pasta dishes, and if you share our passion for them, you’re in for a treat! Our Baked Penne is always a hit with the kids, who devour it every time. For a personal favorite, try this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Casserole, or perhaps a delightful twist with our Cowboy Spaghetti. Each offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, promising a comforting meal that satisfies the soul.
The Irresistible Allure of Comfort Food
Sometimes, only a truly comforting meal can hit the spot, and this Chicken Tetrazzini perfectly embodies that sentiment. Picture tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a culinary embrace that brings smiles and satisfaction to every diner. It’s the kind of meal that evokes cherished memories, making it more than just a recipe – it’s an experience.
What is Chicken Tetrazzini? A Brief History
Despite its classic Italian-sounding name, Chicken Tetrazzini is not a traditional Italian dish. Its origins are distinctly American, believed to have been created in the early 1900s. The most widely accepted story attributes its invention to a chef at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, who crafted this exquisite pasta dish in honor of the acclaimed Italian opera star, Luisa Tetrazzini. Another narrative suggests its birth in New York City at the Knickerbocker Hotel. Regardless of its exact birthplace, one thing remains certain: Chicken Tetrazzini quickly captured hearts and palates, becoming a beloved staple in American cuisine.
At its core, Chicken Tetrazzini features spaghetti – or a similar long, delicate pasta – generously coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. While many variations of this classic recipe often rely on canned “cream of something” soups for convenience, our recipe proudly goes the “from scratch” route. We believe that crafting the sauce from fresh ingredients elevates the flavor profile immensely, offering a depth and richness that canned alternatives simply cannot match. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with using canned soups, the minimal extra effort required to make this dish entirely from scratch yields a noticeably superior taste and texture, making every spoonful a pure delight.
Why This Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum enjoyment with minimal fuss. Here’s why this Chicken Tetrazzini will quickly become a cherished recipe in your home:
- Effortlessly Delicious: By using pre-cooked chicken, you dramatically cut down on preparation time, transforming this impressive dish into a feasible weeknight meal. It’s comfort food made simple.
- Flavorful from Scratch: Say goodbye to bland, overly processed flavors. Our homemade sauce offers a vibrant, nuanced taste that highlights the quality of fresh ingredients, giving you complete control over richness and seasoning.
- Customizable for Everyone: Whether you’re a mushroom enthusiast or prefer other vegetables, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s easy to adapt to various dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
- Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: The combination of creamy pasta, tender chicken, and melted cheese is universally appealing. It’s the ideal dish for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need to feed a happy crowd.
- Fantastic Leftovers: While best served hot and fresh, this tetrazzini reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or enjoying a second helping on a busy day.
Key Ingredients and How to Customize Them
For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the end of this post.
- Butter: This is crucial for sautéing the mushrooms and forming the base of our roux. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. For a slightly different flavor profile or if you’re out of butter, a good quality olive oil or avocado oil can be used, though butter offers a richer taste.
- Mushrooms: Traditionally, sliced button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are a cornerstone of tetrazzini, adding an earthy depth. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, feel free to omit them entirely or substitute with other finely diced vegetables like carrots, celery, or even peas added at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable here, as it infuses the sauce with an aromatic intensity that dried garlic simply can’t replicate. Aim for fresh cloves for the best flavor; however, in a pinch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used per clove of fresh garlic, but expect a slightly less pungent flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are vital for enhancing all the other flavors. Seasoning in layers—the mushrooms, the sauce, and the final dish—ensures a well-balanced taste. Adjust to your personal preference.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour is the thickening agent that creates a luscious, smooth sauce when combined with butter to form a roux. Ensure it’s cooked for at least a minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. For a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (slurried with cold water) added at the end for thickening, though the texture might be slightly different.
- Chicken Broth: We recommend using a low-sodium chicken broth as the liquid base for the sauce. This provides a savory foundation and contributes significantly more flavor than water, without making the sauce overly salty. Vegetable broth can also be used for a slightly different, lighter flavor. Homemade broth offers the best depth.
- Half and Half: This dairy staple strikes the perfect balance between richness and creaminess. It prevents the sauce from being too heavy (like pure cream) or too thin (like plain milk). If half and half isn’t available, you can create your own by combining equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. For an even richer sauce, use heavy cream, or for a lighter version, use whole milk, keeping in mind the sauce might be thinner.
- Cheddar Cheese: A mild or medium cheddar is our go-to for its superb melting qualities and comforting flavor. However, don’t hesitate to experiment! Gruyère adds a nutty depth, Parmesan offers a salty tang, Monterey Jack provides exceptional meltiness, or a blend of your favorite cheeses can create a unique profile. Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Spaghetti: Traditional Chicken Tetrazzini calls for spaghetti, offering those iconic long strands. But rules are meant to be broken in the kitchen! Feel free to use other long pastas like linguine or fettuccine, or even shorter shapes such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni, depending on your preference. Ensure it’s cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Cooked Chicken: The beauty of this recipe lies in its speed, largely due to using pre-cooked chicken. Whether you have leftover roasted chicken, boiled and shredded chicken, or cubed rotisserie chicken, any cooked chicken will work beautifully. This ingredient is key to making this a quick and convenient meal. Learn how to make perfect shredded chicken here.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Chicken Tetrazzini
To whip up this delightful Chicken Tetrazzini, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For sautéing vegetables and preparing the creamy sauce. A cast iron skillet works wonderfully for heat distribution.
- Large Pot: To cook the spaghetti noodles.
- 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: The ideal size for baking this casserole.
- Whisk: Essential for creating a lump-free roux and a smooth sauce.
- Tongs or Large Spoon: For mixing the pasta, chicken, and sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
How to Make the Perfect Chicken Tetrazzini: Step-by-Step
Creating this rich and creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a dish that’s sure to impress:
- Prepare the Pasta and Preheat Oven: Begin by cooking your spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well. While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven (a cast iron skillet works beautifully), melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and turn tender and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté for another minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Build the Roux: Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked mushrooms and stir continuously for about 1 minute. The flour will absorb the butter and mushroom juices, forming a thick paste known as a roux. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce and cooking out the raw flour taste.
- Whisk in Liquids and Thicken: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and then the half and half, whisking constantly to ensure the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Melt in the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir gently until the cheese has completely melted into a smooth, creamy consistency. This creates the signature rich, cheesy foundation of the tetrazzini.
- Combine and Prepare for Baking: Add the cooked spaghetti and the shredded or diced cooked chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Using tongs or a large spoon, toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the thick, cheesy sauce. This mixture will be quite substantial, so take your time to ensure even distribution.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This initial covered baking allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through without the top browning too quickly.
- Final Bake and Serve: Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the edges of the casserole are gently browned. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
Tips and Tricks for Tetrazzini Perfection
- Serve It Piping Hot: Chicken Tetrazzini is best enjoyed immediately after baking when it’s still piping hot and the sauce is at its creamiest. As it cools to room temperature, the sauce tends to thicken considerably.
- Reheating Leftovers: Don’t despair, leftovers are absolutely delicious! They reheat exceptionally well in the microwave. If reheating a larger portion in the oven, we recommend drizzling a tablespoon or two of extra chicken broth over the top before covering it with foil. This helps rehydrate the sauce and maintain its creamy texture.
- Halving the Recipe: This recipe is very easy to half if you’re cooking for a smaller crowd or simply don’t need such a large quantity. Just divide all ingredient amounts by two and use a smaller baking dish, such as an 8×8-inch square pan.
- Prevent Sticky Pasta: Cook your spaghetti just until al dente, and rinse it briefly with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent it from clumping together.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can make it melt less smoothly. For the creamiest, most luxurious sauce, shred your own cheese from a block.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
This Chicken Tetrazzini is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meal prep, saving you precious time on busy days.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance. Simply follow all the steps up to pouring the mixture into the baking dish and sprinkling with the remaining cheese. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure it heats through evenly.
- Storage: Store any leftover Chicken Tetrazzini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole. For the whole casserole, cover it tightly with foil and then a layer of plastic wrap. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions
One of the joys of Chicken Tetrazzini is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative with these variations and pairing ideas:
Variations:
- Protein Swap: Instead of chicken, try cooked turkey (perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers!), ham, or even a mix of seafood like shrimp and scallops for a special occasion.
- Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding finely chopped bell peppers, spinach (wilted and squeezed dry), broccoli florets, or even caramelized onions to the sauce.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a subtle kick to the creamy sauce.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheese blends. Smoked Gouda, Provolone, or a spicy Pepper Jack can introduce exciting new flavors.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For an extra crispy texture, mix 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole before the final uncovered bake.
Serving Suggestions:
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the tetrazzini.
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed asparagus, green beans, or a medley of roasted vegetables would complement the meal perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Chicken Tetrazzini
Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for pre-cooked chicken to speed up preparation, you can use raw chicken. If starting with raw chicken, cut it into small pieces and cook it in the skillet before adding the mushrooms. Ensure it’s fully cooked through before proceeding with the rest of the recipe. Alternatively, you can boil or bake chicken breasts ahead of time and then shred or dice them.
My sauce is too thin/thick, how do I fix it?
If your sauce is too thin, return it to the heat and simmer gently for a few more minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch (1-2 teaspoons) with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, then gradually whisk it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired thickness. If the sauce is too thick, simply whisk in a splash more chicken broth or half and half until it loosens up.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this Chicken Tetrazzini gluten-free, simply substitute regular spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta. For the flour in the roux, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What if I don’t have half and half?
No problem! You can easily make your own half and half by combining equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of half and half, use 1/2 cup whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream. This will give you a similar richness and consistency for the sauce.
More Can’t-Miss Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes:
Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken
Easy Chicken Divan Recipe
Chicken Pot Pie Ragu
Crunchy Mayo Chicken
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Chicken Tetrazzini
Deborah Harroun
20 minutes
1 hour
1 hour 20 minutes
8 servings
Main Dish
American
Pin
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 4 cups (16 oz) shredded medium cheddar cheese
- 1/2 pound spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cut into a small dice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until soft, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic, salt and pepper and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Gradually add the broth and the half and half, stirring until blended. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened, 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add 3 cups of the cheese and stir until the cheese melts. Stir in the pasta and the chicken. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to cook an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is all melted and the sauce is bubbling.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information
chicken tetrazzini, comfort food, tetrazzini