Name: Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz linguine or spaghetti*; 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced (or cook 1.5 lbs chicken breast*); 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 lb button mushrooms, thickly sliced; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 4 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 Tbsp lemon juice; 2 cups half & half (or substitute with equal parts milk & heavy cream); 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus more to garnish; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s surprisingly simple to pull together, this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe is going to become your new weeknight wonder. I absolutely love how it combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into one soul-soothing bake. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or a casual gathering, you’ll find that this recipe hits all the right notes — cheesy, creamy, and just the right hint of garlic and mushroom goodness. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my tips so you can nail this dish every time!

🤍

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and rotisserie chicken for a quick, easy meal.
Creamy, Comforting Texture: The luscious sauce and melty mozzarella make it irresistible every time.
Make Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance to save time on busy nights or for entertaining.
Versatile & Delicious: Perfect as a cozy family dinner or for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.

A white baking dish filled with creamy baked spaghetti is shown, featuring one thick layer of pasta mixed with mushrooms and shredded chicken, all covered with a smooth, melted white cheese sauce. The top layer is sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs. A silver serving spoon lifts a portion of the spaghetti noodles, showing the soft texture and strands of melted cheese stretching from the dish. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole, chicken tetrazzini casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, cheesy chicken casserole, comforting chicken pasta dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe brings together simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully side by side. I like using rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and minimal effort, but I’ll also show you how to cook your own chicken if you prefer. The sauce is rich but balanced, and the mushrooms add an earthiness that I know you’ll appreciate.

Flat lay of thickly sliced fresh button mushrooms, finely chopped medium onion, four whole garlic cloves with clean skins, two brown eggs with uncracked shells, fresh chopped parsley sprigs, a cluster of shredded rotisserie chicken pieces, a small mound of shredded mozzarella cheese, a nest of uncooked linguine pasta, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding unsalted butter chunks, a small white ceramic bowl containing smooth all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of light yellow lemon juice, and a small white ceramic bowl with creamy half and half placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole, chicken tetrazzini casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, cheesy chicken casserole, comforting chicken pasta dish

Linguine or spaghetti: I prefer linguine for a bit more bite, but spaghetti works great too. Look for a high-quality durum wheat pasta to avoid soggy noodles.
Rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts: Using store-bought rotisserie chicken saves a ton of time without sacrificing flavor.
Olive oil: For sautéing the mushrooms and onions to bring out their best flavors.
Button mushrooms: Thickly sliced for a meaty texture and to soak up all the creamy sauce.
Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and depth.
Garlic: Fresh minced — because garlic makes everything better!
Unsalted butter: Creates the roux for a perfectly thickened sauce.
All-purpose flour: To thicken the sauce without clumps.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Use low-sodium so you can control the saltiness better.
Lemon juice: A little brightness to balance all the creamy richness.
Half & half (or milk and heavy cream): I like the half & half combo for creaminess without heaviness.
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season generously for depth of flavor.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note, both inside and as a garnish.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that golden cheesy crust on top.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your liking. You can customize the veggies, swap cheeses, or play with the protein to suit what you have on hand or fit your dietary needs.

Add veggies like peas or spinach: I once snuck in fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition—my family didn’t even notice!
Use turkey instead of chicken: A great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers or just switch things up.
Swap mozzarella for Gruyère or Parmesan: For a nuttier, more complex cheese flavor that’s equally delicious.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend in the sauce.

How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Just Right

Start by boiling your pasta in salted water—the water should taste like the ocean—that’s my little trick for perfectly seasoned noodles. Cook it until just barely al dente; I can’t stress this enough because overcooked pasta will turn mushy once baked. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining, as it can help loosen the sauce later if it gets too thick.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms, Onions, and Garlic

While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Toss in the thickly sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 3 minutes until they soften and start to brown. Then, add the finely chopped onions and cook until golden and sweet—about 5 to 7 minutes. Lastly, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. This trio builds an amazing flavor base you’ll notice in every bite.

Step 3: Whip Up That Creamy Sauce

In the same pot you cooked the pasta in (less cleanup, yay!), melt unsalted butter and sprinkle in the flour. Whisk continuously for about 1 1/2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color—this is your roux, and it’s key for a smooth sauce. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, making sure it’s lump-free. Then stir in the half & half and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer—this is when the magic happens. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Bake

Back in the pasta pot, stir together the drained pasta, shredded chicken, sautéed mushroom mixture, chopped parsley, and all of your creamy sauce. If it looks a little thick, stir in the reserved pasta water to loosen things up. Spread the mixture evenly into your buttered 9×13 casserole dish and top liberally with shredded mozzarella.

Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to let the top get bubbly and delicious. If you like a golden, slightly crisp topping, broil it for 1 to 2 minutes—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta ensures the casserole won’t turn mushy after baking—trust me, this makes a huge difference.
Use High-Quality Pasta: Bronze-cut durum wheat pasta holds the sauce better and stays firm.
Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to the sauce helps loosen it without watering down flavor.
Cover While Baking: Cover with foil initially to keep moisture in and prevent the casserole from drying out, then uncover to get that golden top.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh parsley sprinkled on top right before serving – it adds just the right touch of color and brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy punch. A few red pepper flakes on the side give a nice optional kick if you like some heat.

Side Dishes

For side dishes, I love pairing this casserole with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Roasted or steamed green beans or asparagus also make a great, light accompaniment. If you want to make it extra cozy, garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins and topped each with a little extra cheese and fresh herbs for an elegant touch. You can also add sautéed truffle mushrooms or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top to impress guests. It’s surprisingly versatile and always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your dinner, allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. I usually keep mine in the fridge, where they stay good for about 5 days. When I make this dish in advance, I find it helps the flavors to meld even more overnight.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing this casserole—just assemble it, but don’t bake. Wrap it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 6 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then add the cheese topping and bake as directed. This makes it a perfect freezer-friendly meal to have on standby.

Reheating

To reheat, I find that warming the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through gives the best texture—about 20-25 minutes. Cover it loosely with foil to avoid drying out except for the last few minutes if you want to revive that cheesy top.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, including rotisserie chicken, works perfectly and can save you time. Just shred or dice it before adding to the casserole.
What pasta works best in chicken tetrazzini?

Linguine or spaghetti are traditional and fantastic options. I recommend using high-quality durum wheat pasta to keep it firm during baking.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day or two in advance, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake when ready. It’s also freezer-friendly if you want to prep way ahead.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Cover the casserole with foil during the first part of baking to trap moisture, then uncover at the end for a golden top. Also, avoid overcooking the pasta and add reserved pasta water if the sauce looks too thick.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe is a true comfort food classic that I can’t recommend enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug—rich, creamy, and full of flavor—yet it’s surprisingly easy to make. Whenever I bring this casserole to family dinners, it’s always the first to disappear, and my kitchen smells heavenly for hours afterward. Give it a try, and I’m confident you’ll keep it in your regular rotation too. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!