Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy delight of Easy Chicken Tetrazzini a classic comfort food loved by all! This simple recipe combines tender spaghetti, shredded chicken, and a rich mushroom sauce, topped with golden cheddar and Parmesan. Perfect for family dinners, it’s quick to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and freezer-ready, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti (substitute: linguine or fettuccine)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (options: rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (alternative: cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup sour cream (lighter option: Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided (swap: mozzarella for milder flavor)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (substitute: Pecorino Romano)
- 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms, fresh or canned (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter (healthier alternative: olive oil)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 1–2 cloves fresh minced garlic)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, Panko for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside. Tip: Rinse with cold water if prepping ahead.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes until golden. Season with salt and garlic powder.
- Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and half the cheddar cheese (½ cup). Stir until smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: Fold cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and sautéed mushrooms into the sauce. Mix gently to coat evenly. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, spreading uniformly.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese (½ cup), Parmesan, and optional breadcrumbs over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Pro tip: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy finish.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish (unbaked), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes if cold.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked in a sealed dish for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
- Customization: Add peas or spinach for extra veggies, or swap chicken for turkey post-holiday
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Easy Chicken Tetrazzini, creamy casserole, family dinner, comfort food, make-ahead meal