When I think of cozy comfort food, Chicken Tetrazzini is always at the top of my list.

It’s the kind of dish that reminds me of family dinners, warm kitchens, and going back for seconds without hesitation.

With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, mushrooms, and spaghetti all baked under a cheesy topping—this Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is an easy make-ahead favorite you’ll turn to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and creamy without being too heavy

Great for leftovers and perfect for meal prep

One-pan comfort food—just bake and serve

Family-friendly and freezer-friendly

Quick to assemble with store-bought ingredients

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Chicken breasts – cooked and chopped

Spaghetti – traditional base for tetrazzini

Mushrooms, onions, garlic – add depth and flavor

Cream of chicken & mushroom soups – shortcut creamy base

Sour cream & milk – make it rich and silky

Parmesan cheese – sharp and salty, perfect for the topping

Peas – for color and sweetness

White wine or chicken broth – brightens the flavor

Pro Tips Before You Start

Cook spaghetti al dente so it doesn’t overcook in the oven

Shred chicken ahead of time or use rotisserie for convenience

Sauté mushrooms separately to avoid watery casserole

Don’t skip the wine—it adds balance (or use broth if needed)

Broil at the end for that golden, bubbly cheese topping

How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini

Step 1: Cook Chicken and Pasta

Boil spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.

Cook and chop chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, or shred if using pre-cooked chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onions, mushrooms, and garlic until softened and golden. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Add cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, white wine (or chicken broth), and a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese.

Stir until well combined and heated through.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large bowl or directly in your casserole dish, toss together the cooked spaghetti, chicken, peas, and the creamy sauce until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13” baking dish.

Top with more Parmesan and shredded cheese if desired. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Broil and Serve

Increase oven to 450°F and broil for 5–10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Let rest a few minutes before serving.

What to Serve It With

Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls

Green salad with vinaigrette

Roasted green beans or broccoli

A glass of chilled white wine

Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish

Variations / Substitutions

Use turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken

Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt or cream cheese

Add spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra veggies

Try egg noodles or fettuccine instead of spaghetti

Top with crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for crunch

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days

Reheat in microwave or oven at 325°F until hot

Freeze unbaked tetrazzini up to 3 months

Thaw overnight in fridge before baking

You can also portion into individual containers for freezer meals

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake when ready to serve.

What kind of chicken works best?
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even leftover roasted chicken all work well.

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Absolutely! Sauté sliced fresh mushrooms with onion and garlic for best texture and flavor.

How can I make it without condensed soup?
You can make a quick roux-based béchamel with butter, flour, milk, and broth as a homemade alternative.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, Chicken Tetrazzini freezes well. Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight before baking as usual.

Why is it called Tetrazzini?
It’s named after Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini. Despite its Italian-sounding name, the dish is American in origin!

Final Thoughts

Chicken Tetrazzini is the kind of dish that brings comfort to the table—every single time.

It’s creamy, hearty, and the leftovers might be even better the next day.

With simple ingredients and rich flavor, it’s an easy dinner to love.

Whether you’re serving family, friends, or saving some for later, this classic casserole won’t disappoint.

The Boat Shed Kitchen