Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken tetrazzini takes me back to a winter evening when I wanted to surprise my family with a comforting baked pasta dish and I remember pulling it out of the oven, the cheese all golden and bubbly, and feeling so excited to see their reactions and we all gathered around the table, each of us piling big cheesy scoops onto our plates and savoring that creamy, cozy goodness together.

Since that first time, this dish has become a tradition whenever we want something that feels both special and homey and I love how the tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce all come together to hug the pasta and when I see those golden edges and smell that rich aroma, I know I’ve created the ultimate comfort food moment.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Spaghetti – The base that holds all the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Cooked chicken breast – Tender protein that makes the dish hearty.
• Mushrooms – Add earthy flavor and a nice bite.
• Butter – For sautéing and adding richness.
• Garlic – Builds savory depth in the sauce.
• All-purpose flour – Helps thicken the creamy sauce.
• Chicken broth – Creates the savory foundation of the sauce.
• Heavy cream – Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
• Sour cream – Adds a bit of tang and extra creaminess.
• Cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce and adds sharp flavor.
• Parmesan cheese – For salty, nutty depth and a cheesy topping.
• Salt and pepper – Essential to bring out all the flavors.
• Fresh parsley – For a bright, fresh finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot – For boiling the pasta.
• Large skillet – To cook the sauce and combine ingredients.
• Whisk – For making the smooth, creamy sauce.
• Baking dish – Perfect for finishing the dish in the oven.
• Tongs – To handle the pasta easily.
• Grater – For freshly grated cheese.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. I drain it and set it aside while I prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the mushrooms

I melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced mushrooms. I cook them until they’re soft and golden. Then, I stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute.

Step 3: Make the sauce

I sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat. I slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. And I add heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer until it thickens.

Step 4: Combine the chicken and sour cream

I stir in the cooked chicken pieces and the sour cream. I season everything with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Mix with pasta and cheese

I add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Then, I stir in half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake

I transfer everything to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan on top. I bake it at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

I finish with chopped fresh parsley before serving hot.

Tips

If you want an extra cheesy top, I sometimes add a bit of mozzarella too. You can also use rotisserie chicken to make it even quicker. And for a fun twist, I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.

Ways to Serve

Chicken tetrazzini makes a perfect main dish on its own, but I love serving it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. It’s also great reheated the next day — the flavors get even better!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chicken tetrazzini ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Can I freeze chicken tetrazzini?

Absolutely. Freeze before baking, then thaw overnight and bake when ready to enjoy.

What pasta can I use instead of spaghetti?

You can use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne — it all works beautifully.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this chicken tetrazzini a try! It’s a cozy, cheesy favorite that always brings everyone back for seconds, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Share your photos or leave a comment below to tell me all about it!

Happy Cooking!

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