Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini 🍗🍝 – Easy Cheesy Pasta Bake Recipe

Looking for the perfect creamy chicken pasta bake? This Chicken Tetrazzini is a rich, cheesy, and comforting casserole loaded with tender chicken, mushrooms, and perfectly cooked pasta in a velvety sauce.

It’s a classic Italian-American comfort dish that’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, meal prep, or cozy weeknights—and it reheats beautifully too.

---

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tetrazzini

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd favorite:

• Ultra creamy and cheesy texture
• Loaded with tender chicken and mushrooms
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
• Perfect make-ahead and freezer-friendly meal

Once baked, the sauce soaks into the pasta, creating a rich, flavorful casserole.

---

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8–9

---

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake:

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 4 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or baked)
• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half-and-half (or milk + cream)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

---

How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
Tip: Don’t overcook—it will finish cooking in the oven.

---

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pan. Cook mushrooms until softened, then add onion and sauté until golden (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

---

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then add half-and-half, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Simmer until smooth and slightly thickened.

---

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large pot or bowl, combine:

• Cooked pasta
• Chicken
• Mushroom mixture
• Creamy sauce
• Fresh parsley

Mix until evenly coated.

---

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

---

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 175°C (350°F):

• Covered: 20 minutes
• Uncovered: 15 minutes

Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden, bubbly top.

---

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time
• Add a splash of pasta water for extra creaminess
• Choose high-quality pasta to avoid mushy texture
• Don’t skip resting—flavors develop as it cools slightly

---

Variations & Substitutions

• Protein: Swap chicken with turkey or tuna
• Vegetables: Add broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers
• Cheese: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan

This dish is very flexible and easy to customize.

---

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Store up to 4–5 days
• Freezer: Freeze up to 6 months
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warmed through

You can assemble it ahead and bake later—perfect for busy schedules.

---

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: ~570 kcal
• Protein: ~44g
• Servings: 8–9

---

Final Thoughts

This creamy chicken tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort casserole—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests.

Once you try it, it will quickly become one of your go-to pasta bake recipes.