After the leaves turned that warm amber shade and the nights got crisp enough to pull out my favorite cardigan, I had a quiet afternoon to myself. My husband had taken the grandkids out for a hike, and the house was oddly still—just me, the ticking clock, and my growling stomach.
I wandered into the kitchen, pulled open the pantry, and stared at the shelf like it might talk back. Then I spotted it: a lone can of cream of chicken soup. That was all the inspiration I needed.
Years ago, my sister-in-law used to make something called Chicken Tetrazzini whenever we visited for the holidays. It was creamy, cheesy, and somehow always hit the spot after a long road trip. I hadn’t thought about that dish in ages.
That afternoon, I decided to recreate it, not from memory exactly, but from the heart. I tweaked the flavors a bit, used what I had, and by the time everyone got home, the kitchen smelled like cozy comfort. My husband walked in, sniffed the air, and said, “Whatever that is, don’t ever lose the recipe.”
So here I am, sharing this version that’s become a regular in our dinner rotation. It’s creamy but not heavy, satisfying but not fussy. The kind of dish that warms you from the inside out and makes a house feel like home.
Short Description
Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy pasta bake featuring tender chicken, rich sauce, and plenty of cheese. It’s baked until golden and bubbling—comfort food at its finest.
Key Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 12 oz linguini, cooked al dente
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Tools Needed
- 9×13-inch glass baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Saucepan or stock pot (for pasta)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Oven
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to warm up while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Cook the Linguini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguini just until al dente (it’ll finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper. The sauce should be rich and creamy, with a slight tang from the sour cream.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Fold the chopped, cooked chicken into the sauce. Stir until each piece is well-coated. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here for ease and flavor.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Gently fold the cooked linguini into the sauce mixture. Use tongs or a spatula to ensure even coating without breaking the noodles.
Step 6: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into your greased 9×13-inch glass baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure the pasta and chicken are well-distributed.
Step 7: Add the Cheeses
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan. Don’t skimp—this is what creates that beautiful, golden crust.
Step 8: Bake Until Bubbling
Bake uncovered for 40 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges and a light golden color on top. If your oven runs hot, check around the 35-minute mark.
Step 9: Let It Rest
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps the sauce set slightly and makes serving much easier.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Comfort: A warm, cheesy pasta dish that satisfies every creamy craving.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or comforting leftovers.
One Dish Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled ahead and baked later, making it ideal for busy days.
Customizable: Add mushrooms, peas, or swap out the pasta for what you have on hand.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking the Pasta
Solution: Cook linguini just until al dente. It will continue cooking in the oven.
Skipping the Rest Time
Solution: Let the dish sit after baking. It helps the sauce thicken and prevents watery servings.
Too Salty or Bland
Solution: Use low-sodium broth and taste the sauce before baking. Adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
Dry Texture
Solution: Be sure not to reduce the sauce quantities. If using leftover chicken breast, add an extra splash of broth for moisture.
Burnt Cheese Top
Solution: If your oven runs hot, loosely tent with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty baguette to scoop up all that creamy sauce.
Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
It’s great for casual weeknights or dressed up in a big ceramic dish for Sunday lunch.
Wine pairing: A chilled Chardonnay complements the creaminess beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions or whole, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F until heated through, about 20–25 minutes.
Microwave: For individual servings, microwave with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine all work well. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente.
2. What kind of chicken should I use?
Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor. Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works too.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
4. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your soup and broth are gluten-free certified.
5. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Of course. Mushrooms, peas, or chopped spinach make great additions. Sauté them first so they don’t release water into the bake.
Tips & Tricks
Stir in 1/4 tsp garlic powder or a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth.
Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor.
Don’t overmix the pasta and sauce; be gentle to keep the noodles intact.
For a crispier topping, broil the last 2–3 minutes (watch carefully!).
If doubling the recipe, use two separate dishes to ensure even baking.
Recipe Variations
1. Mushroom Chicken Tetrazzini
Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms in butter, then add to the chicken mixture before baking. Adds earthiness and depth.
2. Broccoli Chicken Tetrazzini
Steam 1 1/2 cups chopped broccoli and fold into the pasta mixture. Bake as usual for a veggie boost.
3. Spicy Southwest Tetrazzini
Add 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp chili powder, and 1/2 cup corn kernels. Swap mozzarella for pepper jack. Expect a smoky, spicy twist.
4. Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini
Use cooked turkey instead of chicken, especially great after holidays. Add a bit of sage for a Thanksgiving vibe.
5. Pesto Chicken Tetrazzini
Mix in 2 tbsp basil pesto with the sauce. It adds a herby brightness that pairs well with Parmesan.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about a dish like Chicken Tetrazzini. It doesn’t scream for attention or try to reinvent the wheel. It just comforts.
Sometimes, when I’m stirring that sauce or layering the cheese on top, I feel like I’m connecting with every cook before me who’s made this dish with love. From busy moms to retired grandmas like me, we all find joy in feeding others. And this one? It never disappoints.
Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
Print ThisIngredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 12 oz linguini, cooked al dente
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook the Linguini
Boil salted water and cook linguini until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Mix melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Stir chopped cooked chicken into the sauce until well-coated.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Fold in the linguini gently to coat without breaking the noodles.
Step 6: Assemble in the Dish
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch glass dish and spread evenly.
Step 7: Add the Cheeses
Top with mozzarella, then sprinkle Parmesan over the top.
Step 8: Bake Until Bubbling
Bake uncovered for 40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Check at 35 minutes if needed.
Step 9: Let It Rest
Remove from oven and let sit 5–10 minutes before serving.
