Name: Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 black pepper, freshly ground; 1/4 cup parsley, chopped, plus more to garnish; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that feels fancy without the fuss, you’ll adore this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe. I absolutely love how creamy and flavorful it turns out every time, and it’s one of those recipes that’s guaranteed to make your whole family go wild with happiness. Stick around and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail this classic casserole with ease.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family-Friendly Comfort: This bake is creamy, cheesy, and hearty — a true crowd-pleaser for weeknights and special occasions alike.
Simple Ingredients: You can make magic with just a handful of staples and leftover chicken or easy store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it ahead, store, and bake later without losing any of that classic Tetrazzini charm.
Customizable & Versatile: Whether you want to swap pasta types, add veggies, or go gluten-free, it’s incredibly adaptable.

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 Bake, chicken tetrazzini casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, comforting chicken casserole, family-friendly dinner recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe starts with a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Whether you use rotisserie chicken or cook your own, the sauce comes creamy and silky — the mushrooms and onions give the perfect savory depth.

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 Bake, chicken tetrazzini casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, comforting chicken casserole, family-friendly dinner recipes

Linguine or Spaghetti: I recommend linguine for its flat shape, but spaghetti works great too; aim for a quality durum wheat semolina pasta that holds up well in the bake.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to shortcut, yet cooking fresh chicken breasts yourself adds a lovely, tender freshness.
Olive Oil: Use good-quality olive oil to sauté your mushrooms and onions — it adds richness.
Button Mushrooms: Thick slices bring great texture and earthy flavor; you can substitute cremini if you prefer.
Onion: Finely chopped so they melt beautifully into the sauce without overpowering it.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is a must — it wakes up the whole dish and pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Unsalted Butter: For making the roux that thickens the sauce and adds that velvety base.
All-Purpose Flour: A little goes a long way to give your sauce that perfect consistency.
Chicken Broth: Low sodium is key here — you control the salt level and keep the flavor clean.
Lemon Juice: The brightness here is a game-changer; it cuts through the richness so well.
Half & Half: Creamy but not too heavy; you can substitute with milk and cream combo if needed.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper really elevates every bite.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped adds an herbaceous note and lovely freshness.
Mozzarella Cheese: The melty, bubbly finish that makes this casserole irresistible.

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 things I love most about this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Over time, I’ve played around with ingredients to match whatever I had on hand or dietary needs, so it feels personal every time.

Vegetable Upgrades: My family loves it when I add peas or chopped spinach for extra color and nutrients — you can sneak in whatever veggies your kids will eat.
Cheese Swaps: If mozzarella isn’t your thing, try swapping half for Parmesan or Gruyere for a nuttier flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour in the sauce with a gluten-free mix or cornstarch — it still comes out delightfully creamy.
Make It Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce on top adds a subtle kick (which we surprisingly enjoy).

How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water—it should taste like the ocean, really seasoned! Cook your linguine or spaghetti until it’s just barely al dente, so it doesn’t go mushy in the bake. Drain, but don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water—it can be a game changer if your sauce looks a little thick later. Cover the pasta partially to keep it warm while prepping everything else.

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms, Onions & Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and toss in your thickly sliced mushrooms. I like to let them get a little golden on the edges before stirring—that’s where the flavor hides. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they’re soft and a beautiful golden color, roughly 5-7 minutes. Toss in minced garlic last and let it sauté for just a minute until fragrant so it doesn’t burn or get bitter. Once everything smells amazing, set this aside with your cooked chicken.

Step 3: Whip Up That Creamy Sauce

Using the same pot you cooked the pasta in (less to wash, yay!), melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute and a half to avoid lumps, until it’s light golden—this little roux thickens your sauce perfectly. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Stir in the half & half and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until it thickens. Taste it here — sometimes you’ll want a bit more salt or pepper depending on your broth.

Step 4: Combine & Assemble Your Casserole

To your sauce pot, add shredded or diced chicken, the sautéed mushroom mixture, chopped parsley, and all the cooked pasta. Stir everything gently so the sauce coats all the noodles and chicken evenly. If you want it saucier, stir in that reserved pasta water a little at a time. Spread the mixture into your buttered 9×13 casserole dish, then sprinkle the top generously with mozzarella cheese for that gooey golden crust we all crave.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Bubbling

Cover your casserole with foil and bake in a preheated 350˚F oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes so the cheese turns golden and bubbly. If you want those irresistible brown spots, pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Partially cooking your noodles ensures they won’t turn to mush after baking — your future self will thank you!
Use Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy water helps loosen the sauce if it seems too thick without watering down flavor.
Layer Flavors by Sautéing: Taking the time to sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic slowly brings out a richer, deeper taste than dumping everything in raw.
Watch the Broiler Carefully: The cheese can go from golden brown to burnt in seconds, so keep a close eye for the perfect finish.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of sprinkling a little extra fresh chopped parsley over the hot casserole right before serving—it adds a pop of color and brightness. Sometimes, I even grate a little fresh Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy touch. A squeeze of lemon juice on the side also livens things up if you want a zesty twist as you dig in.

Side Dishes

This chicken tetrazzini bake is pretty substantial on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal veggies like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or crusty baguette nearby never hurts either—you’ll want something to soak up those delicious creamy bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I like serving this in individual ramekins instead of one big dish—it feels more upscale and makes everyone’s portion special. Topping each ramekin with a small sprig of fresh herbs makes a charming presentation that impresses without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to five days. This recipe reheats beautifully in the oven, so I avoid microwaving to preserve that creamy texture and keep the cheese nice and melty.

Freezing

I’ve frozen assembled, unbaked casseroles wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap for up to six months. When I’m ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then add cheese before baking as usual—it’s a total lifesaver for busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350˚F oven covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to refresh the cheese topping. This keeps the texture creamy without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti works best because of the saucy consistency, you can substitute with penne, fettuccine, or even elbow macaroni — just make sure to cook the pasta to just under al dente to avoid a mushy bake.
Do I have to use rotisserie chicken, or can I cook my own?

You can do either. Rotisserie chicken is super convenient and flavorful, but cooking your own chicken breasts or thighs adds a nice homemade touch. Just season and sauté the chicken until cooked through, then dice or shred it before combining with the sauce.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe freezes wonderfully before baking. Just assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can! Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk with a thickener such as cornstarch. For cheese, dairy-free shredded varieties work well. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe a try—you’ll find it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a busy day. I still remember the first time I made it for my family; they asked for seconds and the recipe quickly became a staple. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese topping, it’s a guaranteed win every time. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and treat yourself to some homemade comfort food that never disappoints.