The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini: A Family-Favorite Comfort Classic

By Jason Griffith

There is something inherently nostalgic about a bubbling casserole dish emerging from the oven, golden-brown and fragrant. For me, that dish is Chicken Tetrazzini. It is the quintessential comfort food—a harmonious blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety, buttery sauce that ties it all together.

While many versions of this dish can feel heavy or overly processed, my approach focuses on building layers of flavor starting with a rich chicken broth and plenty of aromatics. Whether you are hosting a Sunday family dinner or looking for a reliable weeknight meal that guarantees leftovers, this recipe is a proven winner in the Griffith household.

Why I Love This Recipe

What sets this Chicken Tetrazzini apart is its versatility and simplicity. By boiling the chicken ourselves, we aren’t just cooking the protein; we are creating a liquid gold chicken broth that serves as the base for our sauce. This provides a depth of flavor you simply cannot get from a carton of store-bought stock.

It’s also a “crowd-pleaser” in the truest sense. Much like my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole, it combines pantry staples with fresh ingredients to create a meal that feels fancy but requires very little technical skill. Plus, the addition of fresh chives and parsley at the end adds a bright pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the mozzarella.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts (3-4): You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken in a pinch, but boiling them fresh provides the best texture and the necessary broth.
• Pasta (16 oz): Spaghetti or linguine are the traditional choices. If you love pasta-heavy dishes, you might also enjoy my Classic Spaghetti Recipe.
• Butter (1 1/2 sticks): This creates the rich, silky mouthfeel.
• Aromatics: 1 cup chopped celery and 1 medium onion, sliced thin.
• Cream of Chicken (1 can): This provides the thick, creamy consistency we all love in a Tetrazzini.
• Chicken Broth: Use the liquid reserved from boiling your chicken for the best flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Plenty for the sauce and a generous layer for the topping.
• Garnish: Fresh parsley and chopped chives.

Swaps and Notes

• The Cheese: While mozzarella is the gold standard for that “cheese pull,” you can swap half of it for Parmesan if you want a saltier, sharper kick.
• The Veggies: If you want to sneak in more greens, frozen peas or sautéed mushrooms are classic additions to a Tetrazzini.
• The Pasta: While spaghetti is traditional, penne or rotini work great if you prefer a bite-sized noodle for kids.
• Lower Fat: You can use “Light” cream of chicken soup and reduce the butter to 1 stick, though the sauce won’t be quite as decadent.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Pasta

Place your chicken breasts in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Important: Do not discard the water! Remove the chicken to cool, then slice into bite-sized pieces. In a separate pot, boil your noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the 1 1/2 sticks of butter over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and chopped celery. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the celery has softened.

3. Build the Sauce

Stir in the can of cream of chicken soup and approximately 1 to 2 cups of the reserved chicken broth. Whisk until smooth. Stir in a generous handful of mozzarella cheese until it begins to melt into the sauce.

4. Combine

Add your sliced chicken and cooked noodles into the sauce. Toss everything together until every strand of pasta is coated in that buttery, cheesy goodness.

5. Bake to Perfection

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, parsley, and chives. Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes. You are looking for the cheese to be melted and the edges to be a slight golden color.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Since the pasta will spend time in the oven, cook it 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Season the Broth: When boiling your chicken, add a pinch of salt and a few peppercorns to the water. This seasons the chicken from the inside out and makes the broth more flavorful.
• Fresh Herbs Matter: Don’t skip the fresh chives and parsley! They add a necessary aromatic lift to the heavy cream sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. If you are serving a large group, I recommend pairing it with:

• Appetizers: Start with something handheld like Sheet Pan Quesadillas.
• Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the extra sauce.
• Dessert: Balance the savory meal with a light Ice Cream Sandwich Cake.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 540 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 2g

Storage and Leftover Tips

Chicken Tetrazzini is one of those rare dishes that might actually taste better the next day.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Add a splash of milk or broth before microwaving to loosen the sauce back up.
• Freezing: You can freeze this casserole (before the final bake) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this comfort food staple, you have to try these other kitchen favorites:

• Instant Pot Lasagna – For when you need comfort in a hurry.
• Classic Spaghetti with Homemade Sauce – The ultimate Italian-American tradition.
• Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole – Another one-pan wonder for busy nights.

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Final Thoughts

Chicken Tetrazzini is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It reminds us that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a meal that feels special. I hope this becomes a staple in your rotation just as it has in mine!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more easy, delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox.