Whenever I need a soul-satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner that doesn’t take a culinary degree to pull off, I turn to this Chicken Tetrazzini Bake.

It’s packed with tender noodles, rotisserie chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce that tastes like home in every bite.

The cheesy, golden crust is just the cherry on top. Trust me—this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cozy and creamy with layers of cheesy goodness

Great for using leftover or rotisserie chicken

Feeds a crowd—perfect for family dinners or potlucks

Easy to make ahead and even easier to reheat

That baked cheese topping? Irresistible.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Linguini or similar pasta: A hearty noodle to carry all the sauce

Rotisserie chicken: Time-saving and tender every time

Mozzarella, cheddar & Parmesan: Three cheeses = major flavor

Cream cheese & sour cream: Give the sauce extra creaminess

Cream of chicken soup: Classic and comforting

Garlic & Italian seasoning: Boost the savory notes

Butter: To keep everything luscious and golden

Chicken broth: Helps thin the sauce and adds depth

Dried parsley & pepper: For seasoning and garnish

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use very soft cream cheese so it blends easily into the sauce

Break pasta in half before boiling for easier mixing later

Stir sauce ingredients together before adding noodles for smooth texture

Use freshly grated cheese for best meltability

Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving for cleaner slices

How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Pasta

Set your oven to 375°F.

Boil the pasta to al dente according to the package directions.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients.

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the shredded chicken, half the cheese, and cooked pasta to the sauce.

Toss until evenly combined and coated.

Step 4: Transfer to Casserole Dish

Butter the bottom and sides of your baking dish.

Spread the pasta mixture evenly into the dish.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheese and dried parsley over the top.

Bake for about 35 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let it cool slightly. Add red pepper flakes or seasoning salt to taste before serving.

What to Serve It With

Garlic bread or buttery Texas toast

Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus

Crisp Caesar or garden salad

A glass of white wine or iced tea

Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts

Variations / Substitutions

Swap linguini for spaghetti, fettuccini, or bucatini

Use leftover turkey instead of chicken

Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies

Make it spicy with jalapeños or hot sauce

Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream if desired

Storage & Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days

Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave in portions

Add a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy when reheating

Can be frozen (unbaked or baked) for up to 2 months

Let frozen casserole thaw overnight in the fridge before baking

FAQs

Can I make this Chicken Tetrazzini Bake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
You can cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs instead.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely—just cover tightly with foil and freeze before or after baking.

What pasta works best for this recipe?
Linguini, spaghetti, fettuccini, or any long, sturdy noodle works great.

How can I make it more flavorful?
Try adding sautéed mushrooms, extra garlic, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

What should I serve it with?
A fresh salad and warm bread balance out the richness beautifully.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, but full-fat versions will give the creamiest texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tetrazzini Bake is my ultimate solution for nights when I want comfort without fuss.

It’s cozy, cheesy, and comes together like a dream.

Whether you’re feeding your family or delivering dinner to a friend, this dish brings joy with every forkful.