The Best Chicken Tetrazzini (Creamy, Cheesy, and Perfect Every Time!)

Chicken Tetrazzini is one of those timeless American comfort dishes that has lived on dinner tables for generations — creamy pasta, tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a golden cheesy top that makes every bite unforgettable. This recipe for The Best Chicken Tetrazzini isn’t just classic; it’s upgraded for maximum flavor, smoothness, and consistency. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or preparing a warm baked dish for a gathering, this casserole delivers richness, ease, and nostalgia in one beautiful creamy pan.

What makes this Chicken Tetrazzini truly “the best” is the balance of flavors: the creaminess without heaviness, the cheesy richness without greasiness, and the perfect al dente pasta that holds up under baking. Many tetrazzini recipes become dense or dry. This one stays luscious and silky thanks to a carefully structured sauce, a balanced amount of broth and cream, and a perfect cheese blend that melts beautifully without becoming oily.

If you’ve never made Chicken Tetrazzini before, you’ll be amazed by how simple it is. If you’re already familiar with it, you’re in for a massive upgrade. Let’s dive into this warm, cozy, irresistibly creamy classic.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-creamy texture without using canned soups
• Family-friendly flavors everyone loves
• Perfect make-ahead dinner that reheats like a dream
• Great use for leftover rotisserie chicken
• Golden baked top with melty cheese that tastes restaurant-quality

This dish is the definition of comfort food — pasta, cheese, cream, chicken, and mushrooms meld together in a luxurious sauce that hugs every noodle.

⭐ A Little History (Fun & Simple)

Despite the Italian-sounding name, Chicken Tetrazzini is an American dish believed to have been created in the early 1900s for Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini. The combination of pasta, cream sauce, mushrooms, and poultry became so iconic that the dish spread nationwide. Today, every family seems to have their own version — but this recipe takes the best elements from traditional versions and elevates them.

⭐ Ingredients

Below is everything you need to create this ultra-creamy baked chicken pasta:

For the Pasta & Chicken

• -12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• -3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• -1 tablespoon olive oil
• -8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• -1 small onion, diced
• -3 garlic cloves, minced

For the Creamy Sauce

• -4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• -1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• -2 cups chicken broth
• -1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• -1/2 cup sour cream
• -1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• -3/4 cup grated parmesan
• -1 teaspoon salt
• -1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• -1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• -1/4 teaspoon paprika
• -1 tablespoon lemon juice (adds brightness)

For Topping

• -1/2 cup mozzarella
• -1/4 cup parmesan
• -1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

⭐ Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until just al dente. Drain but do NOT rinse. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and mushrooms; cook until softened. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.

3. Make the Cream Sauce

Melt butter in a large pot. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Add cream and sour cream; whisk until creamy. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

4. Add the Cheese

Stir in mozzarella and parmesan until fully melted and velvety. Add lemon juice.

5. Combine All Ingredients

Add cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and sautéed mushrooms into the sauce. Toss gently to coat every noodle.

6. Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.

7. Add Topping

Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly on top.

8. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

9. Garnish & Serve

Top with fresh parsley. Let sit 5 minutes before serving for the perfect creamy texture.

The Best Chicken Tetrazzini

A rich, creamy, ultra-comforting baked chicken pasta casserole with mushrooms, cheese, and perfectly silky sauce.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 585

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz mushrooms sliced
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced

Cream Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
• 0.75 cup grated parmesan
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Topping

• 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella
• 0.25 cup parmesan
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Whisk
• 9×13 baking dish

Method

 

1. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and mushrooms in olive oil. Add garlic.
3. Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly whisk in chicken broth.
4. Add cream, sour cream, and seasonings. Stir until smooth.
5. Add mozzarella and parmesan; stir until fully melted.
6. Combine pasta, chicken, and sautéed vegetables with sauce.
7. Spread mixture into a 9×13 pan. Top with mozzarella and parmesan.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For extra color, add peas or spinach before baking. Great make-ahead meal.

⭐ Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Tetrazzini

Use fresh mushrooms

Canned mushrooms turn mushy quickly. Fresh mushrooms add more flavor and texture.

Don’t overcook the pasta

Slightly undercook — it finishes cooking in the oven.

Shred cheese yourself

Bagged cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Add peas if you love them

A classic, colorful addition.

Make it ahead

Assemble fully, cover, refrigerate 24 hours, and bake when ready.

⭐ Variations

Turkey Tetrazzini

Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey — delicious!

Spinach Chicken Tetrazzini

Add 2 cups fresh spinach before baking.

Creamy Bacon Tetrazzini

Add 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon for smoky richness.

No-Mushroom Version

Skip mushrooms and add extra chicken or peas.

⭐ Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Warm garlic bread
• A simple green salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Lemon asparagus

Chicken Tetrazzini is rich, so lighter sides pair beautifully.

⭐ Storage

• Fridge: 4 days
• Freezer: Up to 3 months
• Reheat: Microwave or bake at 325°F until warm

This casserole reheats exceptionally well — perfect for meal prep.