Chicken Tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food – creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and pasta. This make-ahead casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even as a freezer-friendly meal. Everyone at the table will be reaching for seconds – even the picky eaters!
Whether you’re revisiting a family favorite or trying it for the first time, this Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.
What is Chicken Tetrazzini?
This classic Italian-American dish is named after Luisa Tetrazzini, a famous Italian opera singer who made her American debut in San Francisco in 1905. In her honor, chef Ernest Arbogast at the Palace Hotel created a baked chicken dish, naming it Chicken Tetrazzini. Today, it’s a beloved creamy pasta casserole enjoyed across the U.S.
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
Tips:
- Use unsalted soups to control sodium.
- Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy, but leftover cooked chicken or cooked chicken breasts work great.
- Pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne can be substituted for linguine.
How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Mix Sauce: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Combine: Stir in the cooked chicken and pasta until evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with Parmesan, mozzarella, and parsley. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake: Bake covered for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Variations
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight, then bake as directed.
- Freeze for Later: Cool completely, cover with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Add Veggies: Mushrooms, peas, spinach, or onions make great additions.
- Extra Flavor: Substitute chicken broth with dry white wine, or make homemade cream of chicken or mushroom soups for a fresher taste.
What to Serve with Chicken Tetrazzini
Because this dish is rich and creamy, pairing it with lighter sides balances the meal:
- Salads: A crisp green salad with creamy Italian or balsamic dressing adds freshness.
- Bread: Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Vegetables: Roasted or steamed asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add color and texture.
No matter what you serve alongside it, this Chicken Tetrazzini is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Final Thoughts
This creamy, cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini is a family favorite for a reason. It’s easy to make, comforting, freezer-friendly, and loved by adults and kids alike. Add it to your dinner rotation, and watch it become a go-to meal for holidays, weeknights, or any special occasion.