Chicken Tetrazzini

This creamy chicken tetrazzini recipe brings together tender chicken, pasta, and cheese in one easy baked dish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or cozy comfort food cravings.

Jump to Recipe

This creamy chicken tetrazzini is loaded with tender chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce, baked until bubbly and golden. It's the perfect comfort food for dinner and comes together fast using simple ingredients. With melted cheese on top and a hearty base, this dish wins over even picky eaters. Great for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

It’s easy to make this chicken tetrazzini—just follow the full recipe guide below. We’ve added step-by-step photos and clear directions. You’ll also find pro tips, tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about this recipe.

You can make this creamy tetrazzini chicken in just under an hour using easy pantry ingredients and leftover chicken. The cheesy sauce, tender noodles, and golden topping make it a family favorite for dinner or potlucks.

It’s perfect for busy nights, holiday meals, or anytime you need comfort food fast. The baked finish adds flavor and makes every bite extra satisfying.

What you'll need to make this easy chicken tetrazzini recipe:

• 12 ounces linguine, cooked as directed on package 
• 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
• 10.5-ounce can cream of mushroom soup
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups cooked and diced chicken breast
• 2 cups shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese
• 1½ tablespoons fresh flat parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Noodles: Use any noodles you like in this easy recipe. For a similar feel to linguine, try spaghetti or fettuccine. If you want a smaller noodle that’s easier to eat, go with penne, shells, rotini, egg noodles, or large macaroni.

Protein: Skip the chicken and toss in your favorite vegetables to make this recipe vegetarian. Or, swap in steak or another protein you love.

Cheese: You can top your tetrazzini with any shredded cheese blend. Mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone are all great picks.

Chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts. It saves time and still tastes great.

Veggies: Want to add more vegetables? Try tossing in sautéed mushrooms or onions for extra flavor.

Let’s get started on this old-fashioned chicken tetrazzini recipe that’s packed with flavor and easy to make. Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips and tricks below. You’ll make a delicious dinner without any stress.

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.

SECOND STEP: Cook and drain the linguine to al dente according to the package instructions and set aside.

THIRD STEP: In a large mixing bowl whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, whole milk, sour cream, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk until all the ingredients are completely smooth.

FOURTH STEP: Using tongs, add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce mixture and “toss” the noodles in the sauce until coated.

FIFTH STEP: Add the diced chicken breast and “toss” until completely incorporated and coated.

SIXTH STEP: Pour the coated noodles and chicken into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the noodles and chicken.

SEVENTH STEP: Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

EIGHTH STEP: Evenly sprinkle the tetrazzini with the fresh chopped parsley.

You can serve this easy chicken tetrazzini all year round, for casual dinners or special get-togethers. It’s kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and packed with cheesy comfort.

• Family dinners: This baked pasta makes busy weeknights easier with one cozy dish everyone loves. Kids dig the cheesy noodles and soft chicken. Try it with fried zucchini or a classic coleslaw.
• Potlucks or parties: Bring this to a potluck or serve it for a group dinner—it travels well and stays warm. Pair it with stuffed mushrooms or mini ham and cheese sliders.
• Cold-weather comfort: This dish brings warmth and comfort when the weather cools down. The creamy sauce and noodles hit the spot. Add a side of broccoli cauliflower salad or glazed carrots.

Chicken tetrazzini casserole has become a go-to dinner for good reason. It’s easy, cozy, and packed with everything you need in one dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or bringing it to a party, this pasta bake always gets rave reviews.

• Family Friendly: Kids love the cheesy noodles, and adults grab seconds every time.
• Great for Leftovers: Leftover chicken works great, which helps cut down on food waste and extra prep.
• One Dish Meal: You get chicken, pasta, and sauce all in one pan—less cleanup and more comfort.
• Perfect for Any Season: It works just as well for cold nights as it does for busy weeknight dinners.
• Freezer Friendly: You can prep it ahead, freeze it, and bake it later when time is tight.

This chicken dish wins people over again and again, and we know you’ll love it too!

Can I use cooked chicken from another meal for chicken tetrazzini?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken from another meal. Just shred or dice it before adding.

Do I need to cook the noodles before baking?
Yes, you need to fully cook the noodles before baking. The sauce won’t cook dry pasta in the oven.

How do I keep chicken tetrazzini from drying out in the oven?
To keep chicken tetrazzini from drying out, make sure the sauce fully covers the noodles before baking.

Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Yes, you can double the recipe easily. Just use a larger baking dish and adjust your bake time.

What type of pasta should I use for chicken tetrazzini?
You should use long pasta like linguini or fettuccine, but shorter pasta also works fine.

Do I need to add broth to the sauce for chicken tetrazzini?
Yes, add broth to the sauce so it stays creamy and coats the pasta well during baking.

Can I add vegetables to chicken tetrazzini?
Yes, try sautéed mushrooms, peas, or onions to boost the flavor.

Should I serve chicken tetrazzini straight from the oven?
Let the dish sit for five minutes before serving so the sauce thickens and the noodles don’t fall apart.

Can I serve chicken tetrazzini in individual portions?
Yes, use ramekins or small baking dishes to make individual servings for easy plating and less mess.

Is chicken tetrazzini a good dish for family-style meals?
Yes, serve it straight from a casserole dish and let everyone scoop their own—it’s perfect for sharing.

What season is best for serving chicken tetrazzini?
Tetrazzini works great in fall or winter when you want warm, filling meals that bring everyone to the table.

Do kids usually like chicken tetrazzini?
Yes, kids usually love it because it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with noodles they already know and enjoy.

Follow the steps below to store your chicken tetrazzini the right way. These tips and tricks help keep leftovers fresh and tasty. We’ve included the best methods for making ahead, freezing, and reheating this cheesy baked pasta dish.

Can I prepare chicken tetrazzini ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the chicken tetrazzini ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to twenty-four hours before baking.

What’s the best way to store leftover chicken tetrazzini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for three to four days.

Can I freeze leftover chicken tetrazzini after baking?
Yes, cool the baked chicken tetrazzini completely, then freeze it in a sealed container for up to four months.

How should I thaw frozen chicken tetrazzini?
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

What’s the best way to reheat baked chicken tetrazzini?
Cover the chicken tetrazzini with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about twenty minutes.

Can I microwave chicken tetrazzini to reheat it?
Yes, reheat chicken tetrazzini in the microwave in thirty-second bursts, stirring in between until evenly heated.

Dinner

Mississippi Chicken

5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Dinner

Marry Me Chicken

40 minutes mins

Dinner

Baked Chicken Spaghetti (Easy Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole)

50 minutes mins

Dinner

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi

45 minutes mins

Chicken Tetrazzini

This creamy chicken tetrazzini recipe brings together tender chicken, pasta, and cheese in one easy baked dish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or cozy comfort food cravings.

Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!

5 from 9 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Chicken, Dinner, Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine American

Servings 9 servings

Calories 221 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 12 ounces linguine cooked as directed on package
• 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
• 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken breast cooked and diced
• 2 cups colby and monterey jack cheese shredded
• 1½ tablespoons fresh flat parsley chopped (optional garnish)

DIRECTIONS

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
• Cook and drain the linguine according to the package instructions and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, whole milk, sour cream, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk until all the ingredients are completely smooth.
• Using tongs, add the linguine to the creamy soup mixture and “toss” the noodles in the sauce until coated.
• Add the diced chicken breast and “toss” until completely incorporated and coated.
• Pour the coated noodles and chicken into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the noodles and chicken.
• Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
• Evenly sprinkle the chicken tetrazzini with the fresh chopped parsley.

WATCH THIS RECIPE VIDEO

Notes

• If you want to melt and brown your cheese slightly, turn on the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end of baking. Just keep a close eye so that it doesn’t burn.
• Top your pasta dish with parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 221kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 772mg | Potassium: 149mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 505IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg

HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?Follow me on Pinterest @bestblogrecipes