If you’re craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug from your favorite Italian grandma, the Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is exactly what you need. This luscious casserole combines tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a dreamy mushroom and herb-infused sauce topped with bubbly browned cheese. It’s wonderfully rich without being overwhelming, easy enough for weeknights but special enough for entertaining friends and family. Each bite bursts with flavor and texture – a true kitchen classic reinvented to become a sure-to-be family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this heartwarming dish. Each item plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, from the juicy chicken to the blend of cheeses that melt into a golden crust. The mushrooms add an earthy depth, while the herbs bring freshness and warmth.
- Cooked chicken breast: Using shredded chicken, either homemade or rotisserie, ensures tender, juicy protein throughout the dish.
- Spaghetti or egg noodles: Cooked al dente, these noodles soak up the creamy sauce perfectly without getting mushy.
- Unsalted butter: Acts as the fat base to sauté aromatics and build the roux for the sauce.
- Onion and garlic: Provide foundational savory flavors that awaken the entire dish.
- Mushrooms: Give an earthy richness and meaty texture, balancing the creaminess.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce to that irresistible silky consistency.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture, enhancing the savory notes of the chicken.
- Heavy cream and whole milk: Create a smooth, luscious sauce that binds everything together.
- Dried thyme and rosemary: These herbs infuse subtle aromatic hints that elevate the flavors wonderfully.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty punch that enriches the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, bubbly topping everyone loves.
- Bread crumbs (optional): Provide a crispy golden crust when sprinkled on top before baking.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, seasoning the dish perfectly.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness when serving.
How to Make Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish — this helps the casserole bake evenly and not stick. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain and set it aside so it’s ready to mingle with the luscious sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until it softens and becomes translucent—around 3 to 4 minutes. Next, toss in minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, letting them cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn tender. This step builds a deeply flavorful foundation for your sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over your softened vegetables in the skillet and stir well, cooking for about 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring continuously so no lumps form. Then pour in the heavy cream and milk, and add your dried thyme and rosemary along with salt and pepper. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly—this luscious base will coat your pasta beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Cheeses
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in your shredded cooked chicken, grated Parmesan, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mixing these in while the sauce is still warm ensures the cheese melts smoothly, wrapping every morsel of chicken in cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Mix Pasta with Sauce and Layer
Now, add the cooked pasta into your skillet and toss gently to coat every noodle. Pour the saucy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure each bite delivers balanced flavors.
Step 6: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. If you love a crunchy topping, add the optional bread crumbs now for a gorgeous golden crust. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is bubbling and beautifully browned. For an extra crispy finish, pop it under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, carefully watching to avoid burning.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe rest for a few minutes—this helps it set and makes serving a breeze. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for an inviting pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley brings a vibrant, herbaceous note that contrasts the creamy richness beautifully. For an extra touch of decadence, grated Parmesan over each plate never fails to impress.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, so lighter sides like a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables complement it perfectly. They add freshness and balance, helping you enjoy every cheesy, savory bite without feeling weighed down.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, restaurant-style presentation. You can also bake it in a large cast iron skillet to keep it warm longer while adding rustic appeal at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Your Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it an ideal make-ahead comfort meal to savor again.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time or save leftovers for a longer period, it freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat with care to preserve creaminess. Warm portions gently in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and bubbly again. Adding a little splash of milk can help revive creaminess if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe, saving time while adding deliciously tender, flavorful meat.
Is it necessary to use both heavy cream and whole milk?
Using a combination balances richness and lightness, giving the sauce a creamy texture without it feeling too heavy or greasy.
Can I substitute the spaghetti with other types of pasta?
Yes! Egg noodles are traditional and work great, but penne or fettuccine can also be delicious and hold the sauce well.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh parsley for garnish?
Dried parsley works in a pinch but fresh herbs like basil or chives would also add a lovely finishing touch if available.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?
With some substitutions—like using gluten-free flour and dairy-free cream alternatives—you can adapt this Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe to fit dietary needs, though the texture and flavor will change somewhat.
Final Thoughts
This Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is one of those timeless dishes you’ll return to again and again – it’s comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family on a chilly night or looking to impress guests, it delivers pure satisfaction. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your table truly shine.
Print
Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting baked pasta casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, mushrooms, and a rich Parmesan-infused sauce. This classic dish combines spaghetti or egg noodles with a flavorful creamy mushroom sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and optional crispy breadcrumbs for a delightful texture. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this recipe offers a satisfying blend of hearty ingredients and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
For the Tetrazzini:
- 1 lb (450g) cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti or egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
- Cook pasta: Boil the spaghetti or egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside to keep warm.
- Sauté aromatics and mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms become tender and release their moisture.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables in the skillet and stir well to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and help thicken the sauce.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the heavy cream, whole milk, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Continue to stir as the mixture thickens slightly, which will take about 3-5 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat once the sauce has thickened.
- Incorporate cheese and chicken: Stir the shredded chicken breast, grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese into the creamy sauce until all ingredients are well combined.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to evenly coat the noodles with the rich creamy sauce. Then transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture. If using, evenly distribute the bread crumbs on top to add a crunchy texture after baking.
- Bake to finish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow it to set slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor.
- Egg noodles can be substituted for spaghetti for a more traditional texture.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste before baking.
- Bread crumbs topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy contrast.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps it hold together better when serving.
