This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food made simple. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese baked with long pasta, it’s a cozy casserole that comes together in just 20 minutes of prep. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals, and loved by both kids and adults. With no need to cook the sauce separately or chop veggies, it’s a fuss-free way to enjoy a rich, hearty dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter, melted
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (not diluted)
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (not diluted)
1 (8 oz) container sour cream, at room temperature
½ cup chicken broth
3 cups cooked, diced or shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie chicken)
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1½ cups grated cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch or deep 11 x 7-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook pasta in salted boiling water for 1 minute less than package directions for al dente. Drain.
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, condensed soups, sour cream, and broth.
Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce mixture; stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Top with grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Nutrients (Per Serving – serves 6)

Calories: 548 kcal
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Protein: 31 g
Fat: 29 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Cholesterol: 126 mg
Sodium: 790 mg
Potassium: 887 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 3 g
Vitamin A: 1007 IU
Vitamin C: 1 mg
Calcium: 313 mg
Iron: 1 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is everything a weeknight dinner should be—quick, creamy, comforting, and family-friendly. You’ll love how it takes just 20 minutes to prepare before popping it in the oven. There’s no need to sauté vegetables, make a béchamel, or prep an elaborate sauce. It’s a one-bowl mix-and-go type of dish. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or prepping ahead for a busy week, this recipe is a lifesaver. The rich and creamy base comes from a combination of cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth, making it irresistibly smooth and flavorful.

The Perfect Make-Ahead Meal

One of the best things about Chicken Tetrazzini is how well it holds up as a make-ahead meal. You can assemble everything in advance, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, and bake it when ready. It also freezes beautifully, so it’s an ideal candidate for batch cooking or meal prep. Simply store it in a freezer-safe container, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and bake as instructed. You’ll always have a hearty, delicious dinner on hand—no last-minute cooking stress required.

Ideal for Leftover or Rotisserie Chicken

This dish is especially perfect when you have leftover chicken from a previous meal or a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s a great way to repurpose those leftovers into something new and mouthwatering. You can use diced or shredded chicken, and the amount is flexible depending on what you have on hand. The creamy sauce and cheesy topping bring everything together for a cohesive, satisfying meal that doesn’t feel like leftovers at all.

Kid-Approved and Crowd-Friendly

Chicken Tetrazzini is known for being a hit with kids thanks to its cheesy, creamy texture and mild, comforting flavor. There are no strong spices, unusual vegetables, or polarizing ingredients—just a wholesome mix of pasta, chicken, and cheesy goodness. It also scales well, so if you’re feeding a large family or hosting a dinner party, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in two dishes. Serve it with garlic bread and a simple green salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s both elegant and comforting.

Nutrient-Rich and Balanced

Although this dish leans into indulgence with its creamy texture and cheesy top, it also provides a decent amount of protein and other nutrients. With 31 grams of protein per serving and good doses of calcium and potassium, it offers more than just comfort—it fuels your body too. You can even modify the ingredients to make it a bit lighter if preferred. Try using low-fat sour cream, reduced-sodium soups, or whole-wheat pasta to increase fiber and reduce the fat content while maintaining that classic flavor.

Simple Substitutions and Variations

Chicken Tetrazzini is highly adaptable based on your taste preferences and dietary needs. If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, you can double up on cream of chicken or substitute it with cream of celery. Want to sneak in more veggies? Add a cup of frozen peas, chopped spinach, or sautéed mushrooms to the mix before baking. Prefer a bit of heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the creamy base.

Not a chicken eater? Swap it out for turkey, ham, or even canned tuna for a different take on the classic. The core of the dish—pasta, creamy sauce, and cheese—pairs well with a variety of proteins, making it a go-to recipe year-round.

Easy Cleanup and Minimal Dishes

Another major benefit of this recipe is the cleanup—or lack thereof. Since you only need one bowl to mix the ingredients and one baking dish to cook it all, you won’t be left with a mountain of dishes. It’s especially great for those evenings when you want something hearty but don’t have the time or energy to clean up a full kitchen afterward. The simplicity of the preparation is matched only by the simplicity of the cleanup.

Perfect for Freezer Meals and Gifting

Chicken Tetrazzini is one of those meals that’s not only great for your own family, but also makes a thoughtful gift for friends or loved ones going through busy seasons—new parents, families dealing with illness, or anyone in need of a warm, home-cooked meal. Simply assemble it in a disposable foil baking dish, cover tightly, and attach baking instructions. It’s a kind gesture that provides real comfort.

Serving Suggestions

To round out the meal, serve this casserole with a side of steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp Caesar salad. A slice of garlic bread or a warm dinner roll will help soak up the creamy sauce. If you’re serving a larger group, pair it with a pitcher of iced tea or lemonade for a casual but satisfying dinner experience. For something more refined, serve with a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Tips for Best Results

For the best flavor and texture, be sure to cook your pasta just shy of al dente—it will finish cooking in the oven while soaking up the flavorful sauce. Letting the sour cream come to room temperature also helps everything mix more smoothly. Don’t skimp on the cheese topping either; the melty cheddar and salty Parmesan create a golden, bubbly crust that seals in all the delicious flavors underneath. If you like a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking.

Healthier Modifications

While this recipe is indulgent, you can make it healthier without sacrificing taste. Consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein, or swap in whole grain pasta for more fiber. Reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium soups will also help cut calories and sodium content. The beauty of this dish is how easy it is to tweak based on what fits your lifestyle and health goals.

Conclusion

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. It’s rich, creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, prepping meals ahead for the freezer, or delivering it to a friend in need, this dish checks all the boxes. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a timeless favorite you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. With no fancy steps or hard-to-find ingredients, it’s a recipe that feels gourmet without the effort—true comfort food at its finest.

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