Easy Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe (2024)

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The creamy and oh so delicious cheesy sauce in this recipe is the secret to this amazingly delicious chicken casserole! Cozy up with a loved one or the whole family and enjoy this easy creamy chicken tetrazzini recipe!

Our favorite part about this easy chicken recipe is you can prep it ahead of time and bake it when you are ready to eat. We love make-ahead dishes, especially comfort food recipes like this cheesy chicken tetrazzini.

Easy dinner recipes for two, like this dish, are perfectly portioned for two servings, but can easily be doubled or tripled. You can make this delicious mushroom and chicken tetrazzini recipe for two or make a large chicken tetrazzini casserole that is an easy dinner recipe for families.

Easy Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe (1)

What is Chicken Tetrazzini?

Chicken Tetrazzini is a chicken pasta casserole recipe, typically using linguine or spaghetti and made with poultry, mushrooms, and a buttery cream sauce. It’s a wonderful chicken dinner idea made with fresh ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store.

Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

We make our cheesy chicken pasta recipe with rotisserie chicken, mushrooms, linguine noodles and, of course, cheese! When you bake our pasta casserole, the sauce bakes into the pasta, and theflavors come alive.

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe? It starts off with an ooey, gooey bechamel sauce and becomes a cheesy chicken and mushroom pasta bake!

Amazingly tasty, super kid-friendly, reheats perfectly, and it’s a casserole to freeze, too.And the absolute best part, you can use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken you pick up at the grocery store, so it couldn’t get any easier!

If you have leftover turkey after your Thanksgiving meal, our Easy Turkey Tetrazzini recipe is the answer! Your family will love this turkey casserole almost as much as the Thanksgiving Turkey!

Easy Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe (2)

Ingredients for Chicken Tetrazzini

Making a chicken tetrazzini recipe for two is super simple. You can grab the ingredients on your way home and have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Here’s what you need for this pasta and chicken recipe:

  • 4oz.linguineuncooked
  • 1 ½cuprotisserie chickenshredded – shredded chicken recipe
  • 4Tbsps.butterdivided
  • ¼cupfresh mushroomssliced
  • ½tsp.garlicminced
  • 2 Tbsps.flour
  • ½tsp.salt
  • ½tsp.pepper
  • 1 ½cupschicken broth
  • 1 ¼ cupswhole milk
  • 6Tbsps.Parmesan cheesefreshly grated, divided
  • ½cupItalian panko bread crumbs

How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole

There are a couple of options for how you handle making the chicken, as this chicken pasta bake is a great use for leftover chicken. You can make your whole chicken dishes one night, then create new delicious tetrazzini casseroles with the leftovers. Here’s how to make chicken tetrazzini:

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  2. Cook 4 oz. of linguine noodles according to package directions.
  3. While the noodles are cooking, shred about 1 ½ cups of a rotisserie chicken and add to a large mixing bowl.
  4. Drain the noodles and add to the mixing bowl with the chicken.
  5. In a large skillet, melt one Tbsp. of butter and add the mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms for about five minutes, then add in the minced garlic. Cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the mushrooms are soft and tender. Transfer to the bowl with the chicken and noodles.
  6. In the same skillet, melt 2 ½ Tbsp. of butter over medium-high heat. Add in the flour, salt, and pepper, and whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Let simmer for about 1-2 minutes then add in the broth and milk. Bring to a boil and let cook until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently.
  7. Once the sauce has thickened, pour over the chicken and noodles in the mixing bowl. Add three Tbsp. of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
  8. Grease two individual Au Gratin-style dishes and transfer the chicken tetrazzini mixture to the two bowls.
  9. In a small dish, combine the bread crumbs and three Tbsp. of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the top of each dish.
  10. Place the dishes into the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from oven and serve.

What is bechamel sauce?

Bechamel Sauce is a beautiful thing! Velvety, smooth, rich and full of flavor, this sauce elevates so many dishes. Made with only a few simple ingredients that you most likely already have on hand, it is a staple in the kitchen.

Bechamel sauce is essentially a white sauce that is milk-based and thickened with a white roux. Various seasonings can be added depending on the flavors you want to bring out.

Ingredients for bechamel sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 ¼ cups milk, heated
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground pepper

Bechamel Cheese SauceRecipe Tips:

  • This is your base for the bechamel sauce but you can now add additional flavors to create a more flavorful sauce as we did in this recipe.
  • You can add your favorite cheese to make a deliciously smooth cheese sauce. It is a perfect base for so many delicious recipes, especiallymacaroni and cheese.
  • We doubled the bechamel sauce for this recipe, added an onion for flavor and lightened it up a bit by adding chicken broth.
  • And of course, we added cheese! Our bechamel sauce is packed with flavor.

Bechamel Sauce Uses

  • Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
  • Bolognese Sauce
  • Scalloped Potatoes
  • Vegetables in Cheese Sauce
  • Cheese Saucefor just about anything!

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole

  • We use linguine, but you can substitute with any kind of noodles you have on hand, such as spaghetti or fettuccine pasta, or even rotini pasta, for your chicken tetrazzini casserole.
  • You can use a rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken for the shredded chicken. Light or dark chicken meat will work.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes! This Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe for two can easily be doubled to serve more if needed. It’s one of our favorite family dinner ideas for Sunday Supper.

Easy Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe (3)

Gluten-free Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

You can easily make our Chicken Tetrazzini recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and brown rice flour. It turns out great and you will not miss out on any of the flavors of this delicious dish.

Do you have picky eaters?

If you have mushroom haters in your house, you can leave out the mushrooms in this recipe and it will still be delicious!

Side Dishes for Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
  • Smashed Brussels Sprouts
  • Green Beans Almondine
  • Fresh Vegetable salad
  • Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Can you freeze cheesy chicken tetrazzini?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. You can freeze the Chicken Tetrazzini Casseroles before you bake them!

  • How to freeze chicken tetrazzini: You’ll want to follow the recipe up until the point where you divide the Chicken Tetrazzini mixture between the individual baking dishes. From there, cover with aluminum foil and freeze until you’re ready to bake. When ready, remove from the freezer and let thaw on the counter for 2-3 hours, then bake as directed.

Enjoy this homemade chicken tetrazzini recipe for two this Valentine’s Day or any other special day with your loved one. It’s an easy Sunday dinner ideas to make, and also easy to double if you’re looking for a chicken casserole recipeyour whole family will enjoy!

Our favorite chicken recipes for dinner:

  • Bruschetta Chicken
  • Chicken and Leek Recipe
  • Peri Peri Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
  • Buttermilk Roast Chicken

Perfect for your leftover chicken recipe ideas!

📌

For more chicken recipes and inspiration on how to cook chicken perfectly, follow my Chicken Temperature Chart!

Did you enjoy this chicken tetrazzini casserole? Let us know in the comments below and with a rating! We love to hear from you.

Recipe

Easy Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe (4)

Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe for Two

Isabel Laessig

Cozy up with a loved one and enjoy this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe for Two or double the recipe and make a chicken casserole that the family will love.

4.75 from 31 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 877 kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 oz. linguine uncooked
  • 1 ½ cup rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken shredded
  • 4 Tbsps. butter divided
  • ¼ cup fresh mushrooms sliced
  • ½ tsp. garlic minced
  • 2 Tbsps. flour
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. pepper
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 ¼ cups whole milk
  • 6 Tbsps. Parmesan cheese freshly grated, divided
  • ½ cup Italian panko bread crumbs

Cooking Conversions

See our Cooking Conversions Chart for help converting measurements!

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

  • Cook the linguine noodles according to package directions.

  • While the noodles are cooking, shred about 1 ½ cups of a rotisserie chicken and add to a large mixing bowl.

  • Drain the noodles and add to the mixing bowl with the chicken.

  • In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add the mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms for about five minutes, then add in the minced garlic. Cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the mushrooms are soft and tender. Transfer to the bowl with the chicken and noodles.

  • In the same skillet, melt 2 ½ tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add in the flour, salt, and pepper, and whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Let simmer for about 1-2 minutes then add in the chicken broth. Gradually add in the milk while continuously stirring. Bring to a simmer and let cook until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently.

  • Once the sauce has thickened, pour over the chicken and noodles in the mixing bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of the freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir to combine.

  • Grease two individual Au Gratin-style dishes or large 13 x 9 casserole dish if doubling the recipe. Transfer the chicken tetrazzini mixture to the baking dishes.

  • In a small dish, combine the bread crumbs and 3 tablespoons of the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the top of each dish.

  • Place the dishes into the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until bubbly and topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and serve.

Video

Notes

  • Pasta: We use linguine, but you can substitute with any kind of noodles you have on hand such as spaghetti or fettuccine pasta, or even rotini pasta, for your chicken tetrazzini casserole.
  • Leftover Chicken: you can use a rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken to shred the chicken. Light or dark chicken meat will work.
  • Gluten Free: You can easily make our Chicken Tetrazzini recipe gluten free by using gluten-free pasta and brown rice flour
  • Mushrooms:if you have picky eaters who don’t like mushrooms, this recipe will still be delicious without them.

Nutrition

Calories: 877kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 52gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 168mgSodium: 2432mgPotassium: 660mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1025IUVitamin C: 12.4mgCalcium: 616mgIron: 3.6mg

Keyword chicken casserole, chicken tetrazzini, chicken tetrazzini casserole, leftover chicken recipes

Did you try this recipe?Tag on social and leave a comment below!

This post was updated on November 18, 2019.

Easy Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is chicken tetrazzini sauce made of? ›

The basis of Tetrazzini sauce is a béchamel sauce. While a basic béchamel is made with just butter, flour and milk, for Tetrazzini, we dial up the deliciousness by adding chicken stock (for flavour), cream (for richness) and cheese (a good thing in anything!).

What does the word tetrazzini mean? ›

Tetrazzini in American English

(ˌtetrəˈzini, Italian ˌtetʀɑːtˈtsini) adjective. (often lc) served over pasta with a cream sauce, often flavored with sherry, sprinkled with cheese, and browned in the oven.

Why is it called chicken Tetrazzini? ›

It is supposedly named for Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini, and was made by the chef at her hotel in the early 1900s. Chicken tetrazzini is a baked casserole made with poultry or seafood, and mixed with dairy and pasta that is topped with cheese and breadcrumbs.

How to warm up chicken tetrazzini? ›

Transfer leftover chicken tetrazzini to an oven-safe dish if it's not in one already. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out and to ensure even heat distribution. Place the dish in the oven. Heat the tetrazzini until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

What is creamy pasta sauce called? ›

While bechamel sauce is made with milk and flour, alfredo sauce is mainly made with heavy cream and cheese. Both have a creamy texture that thoroughly coats pasta noodles, but bechamel tends to be thicker than alfredo sauce.

What is cream sauce pasta made of? ›

Truth is all you need is cream, freshly grated parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt. Some recipes include milk or flour. This will lower the calories in the dish but will also reduce flavour.

What does ziti mean in Italian? ›

IPA guide. Ziti is a hollow, tube-shaped pasta, and it's also the name of a baked, cheesy dish you can make with ziti. In Italian, ziti is short for maccheroni di zita, or "macaroni of the bride." This probably comes from ziti's longstanding popularity as part of a wedding buffet, particularly in Southern Italy.

Who invented tetrazzini? ›

Some accounts ascribe tetrazzini as a creation of Auguste Escoffier. Other sources claim tetrazzini to be invented in the early 1900s by Ernest Arbogast, the chef at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, California, where Luisa Tetrazzini made her American debut at the Tivoli as Gilda in Rigoletto on January 11, 1905.

What does Penne mean in English? ›

penne. noun [ U ] /ˈpen.eɪ/ us. /ˈpen.i/ a type of pasta in the shape of tubes.

What country is chicken tetrazzini from? ›

Chicken Tetrazzini is an American dish. It's unclear which chef, but a chef, created it in honor of Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini when she debuted as Gilda in Rigoletto in San Francisco in 1905.

Why don't Italians eat chicken and pasta? ›

In Italy they eat much less chicken than people think. We don't eat chicken with pasta or pizza, ever! There is no real reason, many recipes simply do not include chicken in traditional Italian cuisine. Unlike minced porc or beef, chicken meat is just too dense to go with pasta anyway.

Why is it called cream of chicken? ›

The naming convention in English for blended soups is cream of [ingredient.] So there's cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, cream of broccoli, etc. It just means the main ingredient has been blended into the soup, resulting in a creamy texture.

Can you reheat recipes with cream in? ›

Reheating cream-based sauces on the stovetop will get better results than using a microwave, but you can still use it in a pinch. Use a low setting and microwave the sauce in increments of 20 seconds, checking and stirring as you go.

How do you reheat pasta and keep it creamy? ›

that's what I do - put the pasta and sauce in a pan with a little extra cream or half&half, whatever you have handy. As it gets warm, stir everything together to loosen the pasta and pseudo-emulsify the sauce.

How long should a casserole be cooked for? ›

The time a casserole takes to cook will vary from 2-2½ hours for chuck, blade and thick flank, up to 4 hours for shin, leg and neck. Pork cuts for braising and casseroling normally take 1½ hours, and lamb much the same.

What is this pink sauce stuff? ›

Pink Sauce is a pink dipping sauce created by TikTok user Veronica Shaw, better known by her screen name, Chef Pii. Food safety and labeling concerns caused the Food and Drug Administration to stop the production and online sale of Pink Sauce.

What is white pasta sauce made of? ›

White Sauce Pasta is simply cooked pasta mixed with a silky smooth & decadent white sauce made of milk, butter and flour. White Sauce also known as Bechamel Sauce has its origin from the Italian & French Cuisines. In classic culinary terms, this is what is known as a mother sauce.

What is the pasta sauce called? ›

Technically, pasta sauce is any sauce typically paired with pasta — like pesto, bolognese, Alfredo, and marinara as well. But people usually think of a more robust and flavorful tomato sauce as classic "pasta sauce." There are really no hard-and-fast rules on what can simply be called pasta sauce.

What is pasta tomato sauce made of? ›

Add 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes in puree tomatoes, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, and 1 pinch red pepper flakes, if using. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

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