If you have been craving a comforting, indulgent dinner that brings together tender chicken, luscious cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe. This dish is a true celebration of cozy flavors, blending sautéed garlic and onion with a rich mushroom-infused cream sauce, all baked to bubbling perfection under a golden cheesy crust. It’s the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out, perfect for family dinners or anytime you want to feel a little culinary warmth at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe lies in how simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each item plays a vital role—whether it’s adding depth to the sauce, bringing texture, or balancing flavors just right.
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, these are the heart of the dish, providing the perfect protein base.
- 8 oz thin spaghetti or linguine: Pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully and holds every bite together.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Adds richness and earthy mushroom flavor that makes the sauce irresistibly creamy.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Helps to loosen the sauce and infuse a gentle savory undertone.
- 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced): Aromatic kick that awakens all the other flavors.
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped): Sweetness and a subtle crunch balance out the creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melty topping that pulls apart so satisfyingly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and a golden crust after baking.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Little bursts of sweetness and a pop of color against the creamy base.
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs: Oregano, basil, and thyme bring a fragrant, herbaceous touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance and balance all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the thin spaghetti or linguine and cook until just al dente, around 8 minutes—this ensures your noodles retain a slight bite and won’t turn mushy after baking. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt a knob of butter or a splash of oil, then toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them gently soften, stirring often, until translucent and fragrant—this step builds the flavorful base of your sauce that will infuse every bite.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Dice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them straight to the skillet. Cook until the chicken has a lovely golden brown color on the outside and is cooked through—about 7 to 10 minutes. This caramelization adds an irresistible depth of taste.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup and the chicken broth, mixing everything thoroughly so every ingredient is smoothly combined. Let this mixture simmer on low heat for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together wonderfully.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Peas
Gently fold the cooked pasta and frozen peas into the skillet, coating them evenly with the creamy sauce. The peas bring a fresh pop of sweetness, while the pasta absorbs that luscious sauce, making every forkful incredibly satisfying.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the creamy chicken and pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crust that’s absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese over the top right before serving adds a fresh, vibrant note and beautiful color contrast. A little cracked black pepper tossed over the melted cheese can also add an inviting warmth and enhance the bouquet of flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. A warm crusty bread or garlic rolls are wonderful for sopping up any remaining creamy sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress guests, serve individual portions in small ramekins baked to gently browned perfection, or create layered parfait-style cups with the tetrazzini on the bottom and a fresh pea and herb salad layered on top for contrast. These touches make the dish feel a little extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even better the next day. Just be sure to loosen the sauce with a splash of broth or milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe dishes and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to retain that fresh-from-the-oven taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which helps maintain the cheese’s delightful melting quality. Alternatively, microwave in shorter bursts on medium power, stirring occasionally, and adding a bit of liquid if the sauce appears too thick.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While thin spaghetti or linguine works perfectly, other pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or even egg noodles would all be lovely. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly for al dente texture.
Is there a substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a homemade option or want to avoid canned soup, a simple cream sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and finely chopped sautéed mushrooms can do the trick beautifully and add a fresh flavor dimension.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the chicken for roasted mushrooms, extra peas, or other hearty vegetables. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth keeps it fully vegetarian while still tasty and creamy.
How spicy is this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting, designed for broad appeal. If you like a little heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing step is a great way to introduce subtle warmth.
What’s the best way to get a crispy topping?
To achieve that irresistible golden crust, make sure to layer the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly and bake uncovered. For extra crispiness, you can broil the dish for a minute or two at the very end, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about digging into a warm, cheesy plate of this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe. It brings together familiar flavors in a cozy, inviting way that will quickly make it a staple in your meal rotation. So go ahead and give this recipe a try — your family and taste buds will thank you endlessly!
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Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting and delicious baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken, savory mushroom sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines al dente pasta, sautéed aromatics, and frozen peas in a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 8 oz thin spaghetti or linguine
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses and Vegetables
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the thin spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for 3 to 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Dice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Create Sauce: Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup and the cup of chicken broth into the skillet with the chicken and aromatics. Mix well to combine all the flavors, then let the sauce simmer briefly so everything melds together nicely.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked pasta and frozen peas into the skillet with the creamy sauce and chicken mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the combined mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top. Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine when simmering the sauce.
- Fresh peas can be substituted for frozen peas if preferred.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
- Make sure to not overcook the pasta before baking to avoid a mushy texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
