Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. This easy version uses rotisserie chicken for convenience, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to whip up an Easy Chicken Tetrazzini. Not only is it a one-dish meal that requires minimal cleanup, but it also packs a flavor punch. The creamy sauce, combined with gooey cheese and comforting pasta, creates a satisfying dinner that appeals to both kids and adults. Plus, it’s easily adaptable, allowing you to tweak ingredients based on what you have on hand.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Creating this delightful dish is a breeze! Start by boiling your chosen noodles until they are al dente. While the pasta cooks, prepare a creamy sauce by mixing cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, and chicken broth until smooth. Combine this sauce with the shredded rotisserie chicken and cooked noodles, and you’ll have a rich and flavorful base. After transferring everything to a buttered casserole dish, top it off with an array of cheeses and bake until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
- 16 oz linguini (you can also use fettuccini, spaghetti, bucatini, etc.)
- 1/4 cup butter, softened (for buttering the casserole dish)
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken condensed soup
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened (make sure it’s soft enough to be whisked in the sauce)
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Boil noodles to al dente according to the package instructions while preparing the sauce base in your largest mixing bowl.
- Combine all sauce ingredients and whisk together until smooth.
- Add half of the shredded cheeses, the rotisserie chicken, and the noodles, tossing until everything is well coated and evenly combined.
- Butter the bottom and sides of a casserole dish and transfer the pasta mixture, distributing it evenly.
- Top with handfuls of the remaining shredded cheese and dried parsley.
- Bake in the oven for 35 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- For serving, sprinkle on some seasoning salt if desired and add red pepper flakes. Pair it with warm dinner rolls or Texas toast, along with a side of steamed broccoli or salad for a complete meal.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini can be served straight from the oven, piping hot. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a warm bread option like dinner rolls or garlic bread. For an added kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or seasoning salt before serving.
How to Store Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
If you have leftovers, this casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to keep it moist.
Tips to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
- Make sure the cream cheese is soft before mixing it into the sauce to ensure a smooth consistency.
- For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or peas to the mixture.
- Don’t skip out on the cheese topping; it forms a delicious, gooey crust that enhances the overall dish.
Variation
Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit different palates! You can substitute the rotisserie chicken with leftover turkey or even shredded beef. For a lighter version, use a mix of vegetables like spinach and zucchini instead of the meat. You can also try different types of cheese to customize the flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Just cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs prior to adding them to the dish.
2. Can I freeze Easy Chicken Tetrazzini?
Yes, this dish can be frozen before baking for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
3. What can I serve with Chicken Tetrazzini?
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or toasted garlic bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy making this delightful Easy Chicken Tetrazzini and savor the delicious flavors it has to offer!
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 16 oz linguini (you can also use fettuccini, spaghetti, bucatini, etc.)
- 1 rotisserie chicken shredded
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cans 10.5 oz cream of chicken condensed soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 block 8 oz cream cheese (softened) Make sure it's soft enough to whisk into the sauce.
- 1 tsp dried parsley Plus more for topping.
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/4 cup butter (softened, for buttering the casserole dish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Boil noodles to al dente according to package instructions while preparing the sauce base in your largest mixing bowl.
- Combine all sauce ingredients and whisk together until smooth.
- Add half of the shredded cheeses, the rotisserie chicken, and the noodles, tossing until everything is well coated and evenly combined.
- Butter the bottom and sides of a casserole dish and transfer the pasta mixture, distributing it evenly.
- Top with handfuls of the remaining shredded cheese and dried parsley.
- Bake in the oven for 35 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
