This chicken tetrazzini is spaghetti, mushrooms, peas, chicken and cheese, all tossed together in a homemade creamy sauce and baked to perfection. The ultimate comfort food classic that’s perfect for feeding a crowd!
When I’m looking for a dish that I know will please both kids and adults, I turn to baked pasta recipes such as buffalo chicken pasta, pasta al forno and this easy and delicious chicken tetrazzini.
Chicken and pasta are always a winning combination in my book. Whenever I have leftover chicken on hand, I put it to good use in this creamy, cheesy chicken tetrazzini.
Why is it called chicken tetrazzini?
Chicken tetrazzini is named after the Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini, but is actually a dish that originated in America. This recipe features chicken and pasta in a creamy sauce, often with the addition of mushrooms and sometimes peas. The dish is finished off with either a layer of breadcrumbs or melted cheese.
How do you make chicken tetrazzini?
Start by cooking onions, mushrooms and garlic with butter. Whisk in flour, then add half and half and chicken broth to form the base of the sauce. Next, stir in cream cheese and parmesan cheese, along with some seasonings. Place spaghetti in a bowl along with chicken, the mushroom sauce and peas. Toss until everything is well combined, then place the pasta mixture in a baking dish. Add a layer of buttered breadcrumbs, then bake until everything is hot and the sauce is bubbly. Add a sprinkling of fresh parsley, then serve and enjoy.
Tips for the perfect pasta dish
- You can use any type of cooked chicken in this recipe – diced roasted chicken, shredded chicken, leftover chicken or even rotisserie chicken. They all work just fine!
- This casserole can be assembled up to 8 hours before you plan to bake it. Store the covered pan in the fridge, then bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to compensate for starting with a cold dish.
- While I typically use button mushrooms, other varieties also work such as cremini, portobello or chanterelle. Buy pre-sliced mushrooms to save on prep time.
- No need to thaw your peas before you mix them into the pasta, they’ll cook through in the oven.
- This dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and can be frozen for 2 months. Reheat any leftovers covered in the oven, or heat individual portions in the microwave.
Flavor variations
This is a classic version of chicken tetrazzini, but you can absolutely add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.
- Protein: Instead of diced chicken, try ground chicken, sliced steak, turkey or sliced smoked sausage.
- Pasta: Spaghetti is traditional in this dish, but you can also use linguine, fettuccine, penne, farfalle or even macaroni.
- Add-Ins: You can add a variety of ingredients to this recipe such as sauteed bell peppers, green beans, bacon, kale, spinach or olives.
- Toppings: Instead of Italian breadcrumbs, try panko breadcrumbs, or skip the bread and add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese instead.
Chicken tetrazzini is a popular dish for good reason – it’s loaded with flavor and is always a hit!
More pasta dishes to try
Chicken Tetrazzini Video
Chicken Tetrazzini
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 6 tablespoons butter divided use
- 3/4 cup onion finely diced
- 12 ounces button mushrooms sliced
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 4 ounces cream cheese cut into small pieces
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9"x13" pan with cooking spray.
- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to package directions.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until softened. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are browned and tender.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add the chicken broth and half and half to the pan, whisking constantly.
- Bring the milk mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes or until just thickened.
- Remove the sauce from the heat, and mix in the parmesan cheese, cream cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the spaghetti and return it to the cooking pot or place it in a large bowl. Add the chicken and peas to the pasta.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Place the pasta mixture into the prepared pan.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour the butter into the breadcrumbs and mix to combine. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the pasta.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until casserole is bubbly and breadcrumbs are browned. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
Sara Denig says
Have you tried to his with zoodles? Wondering how that would turn out to cut out some carbs!
Sara says
The only thing to consider is that the zoodles may release a lot of liquid as they bake!
Debbie says
The whole family loved this dish! I liked that it could be made ahead.
Jen Reilly says
This was so hearty and delicious; all of my things in one meal, I couldn’t resist! Easily, my new favorite comfort food!
Lisalia says
Just perfect!! This is the only dish where my kids will willingly eat mushrooms and peas. And We ALL loved the flavor. Win win! THanks!
Betsy says
Lovely! Perfect make-head meal! Love this as a meal to take to a home bound friend. My husband loves this as leftovers–he’ll take them to work and make everyone jealous! 😀
Kristyn says
I love the breadcrumbs on top!! It gives it a nice little crunch & the mushrooms & peas make it more hearty! This is the perfect family meal, great for any night of the week!
Jacque says
This is my kind of comfort food! So easy and flavorful; perfect for busy weeknights!
Jeff Albom says
This is my idea of comfort food on a cold night in the winter. The garlic and mushrooms make me happy.
rika says
This chicken dish is creamy! I can eat it this everyday for dinner, so comforting.
Mahy says
Fantastic dish! I can see it as one of the best options to serve when the house is full of hungry stomachs LOL Definitely something I would try!
Michelle Boule says
we loved this recipe. my partner loved the crunchy topping and even had seconds. I liked how quickly it came together for a weeknight dinner
Tara says
Definitely the perfect comfort food! I love all those flavors and the contrast in texture with the breadcrumbs on top. Yum!