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Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting, creamy casserole that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, savory mushrooms, and melty cheese for a satisfying Italian-inspired weeknight dinner. Quick to prepare with simple ingredients, this dish is family-friendly and perfect for leftovers, offering rich, indulgent flavors with minimal fuss.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked shredded or diced rotisserie chicken

Pasta

  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine, cooked al dente

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 cup sliced cremini or white mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF option)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups milk or cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta and chicken: Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Meanwhile, shred or dice the cooked rotisserie chicken so it is ready to incorporate later.
  2. Sauté aromatics and mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Then add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are tender and golden brown.
  3. Make the creamy sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked mushrooms and stir constantly to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and thyme or parsley, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Mix the cooked pasta and shredded chicken into the creamy mushroom sauce in the skillet or transfer everything to a large bowl for thorough mixing. Stir in the shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese until evenly incorporated, creating a melty, cheesy texture.
  5. Bake until bubbly: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle an extra layer of shredded cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Notes

  • Use freshly cooked pasta and avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness during baking.
  • Don’t skip the roux to ensure the sauce thickens perfectly and coats every bite.
  • Allow the casserole to rest slightly after baking for easier serving.
  • Opt for good-quality, freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: chicken tetrazzini, creamy chicken casserole, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy chicken pasta, chicken mushroom casserole