If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and crowd-pleasing pasta dish that brings the warmth of home cooking to your table, this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic casserole combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a luscious sauce made with cream soups and sour cream, all baked to bubbly perfection with a cheesy golden crust. It’s an effortless weeknight winner that never fails to impress both family and guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using accessible ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital part — from the creamy soups that build the sauce’s richness to the cheeses that add melty, savory goodness, and the peas that provide a pop of color and a hint of sweetness.
- Cream of chicken soup (10 ounces): The base for the sauce that adds savory depth and creamy texture.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10 ounces): Adds an earthy flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Sour cream (2 cups): Gives the sauce a tangy creaminess that keeps every bite luscious.
- Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps blend the sauce beautifully.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the dish moist without overpowering the creamy flavors.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth that complements the mild ingredients.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a gentle garlic aroma without overpowering the dish.
- Frozen peas (1/2 cup): A bright pop of green and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Seasoned cooked chicken (1 pound, chopped or shredded): The star protein, tender and flavorful.
- Thin spaghetti (1 pound, cooked al dente): The perfect pasta base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts smoothly for that irresistible cheesy layer on top.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, tangy kick that balances the creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Offers a nutty, salty finish to the topping.
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish): A fresh, vibrant touch that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), setting the stage for baking your delicious casserole. Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the final dish comes out effortlessly after baking and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth, creamy sauce that’s packed with comforting flavor and ready to coat all the tasty bits in the next step.
Step 3: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Peas
Gently fold in the frozen peas, seasoned cooked chicken, and cooked spaghetti into the sauce. Toss everything together until every strand of spaghetti and piece of chicken is evenly coated, promising a harmonious blend in every single bite.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake to Perfection
Pour your creamy chicken and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to achieve a beautifully melted and bubbly golden cheese layer.
Step 5: Garnish and Let it Rest
Once baked, take your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe out of the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley across the top. Allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors as they settle perfectly.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a gorgeous pop of color but also a hint of herbal brightness that cuts through the rich creaminess. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a few crusty bread crumbs toasted with butter can bring delightful texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe shines on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli can add freshness and balance to your meal. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is always a crowd-pleaser to mop up any creamy sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch at dinner parties, serve individual portions in ramekins topped with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs. Alternatively, presenting it family-style in a rustic baking dish right in the center of the table invites everyone to serve themselves and enjoy the cozy vibes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish reheats wonderfully, so store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors develop even more after resting, making your next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe freezes very well. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 20 to 30 minutes. You can also use a microwave, heating in 1 to 2-minute intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While thin spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even small pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well during baking.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheeses to lighten the dish without losing too much flavor. Also, increasing the amount of peas or adding other vegetables can boost nutrition and keep it balanced.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free spaghetti or your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative and ensure the soups you choose do not contain gluten. This way, you can still enjoy the Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe without compromising dietary needs.
How do I cook the chicken for this recipe?
You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or poach chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper for a tender and flavorful protein. Just be sure to chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces before mixing.
What if I don’t have frozen peas?
No problem! You can use fresh peas, steamed until tender, or substitute with other small veggies like diced carrots, corn, or chopped green beans to add color and sweetness to the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is a heartwarming classic that’s perfect for bringing family and friends together over a delicious, creamy comfort meal. Its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavors make it an absolute staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it just as much as I do. Give it a try, and let this cozy casserole become a beloved go-to in your recipe collection!
Print
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring a creamy blend of chicken and mushroom soups, sour cream, melted butter, and cheeses, combined with tender cooked chicken, peas, and spaghetti. Perfect for a family meal, it is baked until bubbly and golden, garnished with fresh parsley for a deliciously satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce and Base
- 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 pound seasoned cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1 pound thin spaghetti, cooked al dente
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, low-sodium chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine ingredients: Add the frozen peas, seasoned cooked chicken, and cooked spaghetti into the sauce mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Finish baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
- Serve: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor. Allow the casserole to stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience and enhanced flavor.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheeses.
- If you want extra crispiness, you may broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Make sure spaghetti is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice fresh garnish but can be omitted if unavailable.
