• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Dinner at the Zoo

  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • One Pot Meals
  • Slow Cooker
  • Asian Food

Home » Dinner » Chicken Tetrazzini

Published: February 24, 2021 Last Modified: March 3, 2021 By Sara 13 Comments

Chicken Tetrazzini

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
This chicken tetrazzini is spaghetti, mushrooms, peas, chicken and cheese, all tossed together in a homemade creamy sauce.

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.

This chicken tetrazzini is spaghetti, mushrooms, peas, chicken and cheese, all tossed together in a homemade creamy sauce. This chicken tetrazzini is spaghetti, mushrooms, peas, chicken and cheese, all tossed together in a homemade creamy sauce.

Two forks in a dish full of 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.

Ingredients in bowls including chicken, peas, mushrooms, cheese and seasonings.

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.

Spaghetti, peas, chicken and mushroom sauce in a bowl.

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.

Pasta,chicken and vegetables in creamy sauce in a baking dish.

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.

A bowl of chicken tetrazzini topped with breadcrumbs and parsley.

Chicken tetrazzini is a popular dish for good reason – it’s loaded with flavor and is always a hit!

More pasta dishes to try

  • Mushroom Pasta
  • Pasta Bolognese
  • Pasta Carbonara
  • Tuscan Farfalle Pasta
  • Pasta Puttanesca

Chicken Tetrazzini Video

Two forks in a dish full of chicken tetrazzini.
Print Pin
5 from 12 votes

Chicken Tetrazzini

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!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8
Calories 587kcal
Author Sara Welch

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 587kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 490mg | Potassium: 337mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1080IU | Vitamin C: 0.9mg | Calcium: 541mg | Iron: 1.4mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Filed Under: Dinner, Pasta

FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

    ​
    ​

    Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

    « Salsa Verde Recipe
    London Broil Marinade »

    Comments

    1. Sara Denig says

      August 8, 2021 at 5:54 am

      Have you tried to his with zoodles? Wondering how that would turn out to cut out some carbs!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        August 9, 2021 at 6:47 pm

        The only thing to consider is that the zoodles may release a lot of liquid as they bake!

        Reply
    2. Debbie says

      May 29, 2021 at 7:48 pm

      5 stars
      The whole family loved this dish! I liked that it could be made ahead.

      Reply
    3. Jen Reilly says

      March 25, 2021 at 3:31 pm

      5 stars
      This was so hearty and delicious; all of my things in one meal, I couldn’t resist! Easily, my new favorite comfort food!

      Reply
    4. Lisalia says

      March 4, 2021 at 8:54 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    5. Betsy says

      March 4, 2021 at 3:52 pm

      5 stars
      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! 😀

      Reply
    6. Kristyn says

      March 4, 2021 at 3:23 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    7. Jacque says

      March 1, 2021 at 3:04 pm

      5 stars
      This is my kind of comfort food! So easy and flavorful; perfect for busy weeknights!

      Reply
    8. Jeff Albom says

      March 1, 2021 at 2:22 pm

      5 stars
      This is my idea of comfort food on a cold night in the winter. The garlic and mushrooms make me happy.

      Reply
    9. rika says

      March 1, 2021 at 2:09 pm

      5 stars
      This chicken dish is creamy! I can eat it this everyday for dinner, so comforting.

      Reply
    10. Mahy says

      March 1, 2021 at 2:02 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    11. Michelle Boule says

      March 1, 2021 at 1:20 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
    12. Tara says

      February 24, 2021 at 3:53 pm

      5 stars
      Definitely the perfect comfort food! I love all those flavors and the contrast in texture with the breadcrumbs on top. Yum!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    With 3 young kids, dinner can feel like feeding time at the zoo! I'm a mom on a mission to create easy, healthy and family friendly recipes ...Read More

    Grilling Recipes

    A jar of BBQ rub made with brown sugar and a variety of spices.

    BBQ Rub Recipe

    Sliced churrasco served with a bowl of chimichurri sauce.

    Churrasco with Chimichurri Sauce

    Shrimp marinade over cooked shrimp, topped with parsley.

    Shrimp Marinade

    Shish kabob made with beef, peppers and onions on a serving plate.

    Shish Kabob Recipe

    Grilled lamb chops on a plate garnished with parsley and lemon.

    Grilled Lamb Chops

    These grilled lemon sriracha shrimp are a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy and a whole lot delicious! #KingsfordFlavor #Ad

    Grilled Sriracha Shrimp

    More Posts from this Category

    Featured Recipes

    A piece of bread scooping into a pan of spinach dip.

    Hot Spinach Dip

    Instant Pot pot roast with carrots and potatoes, all topped with parsley.

    Instant Pot Pot Roast

    A plate of baked chicken wings served with ranch dip.

    Baked Chicken Wings

    A quick and easy chicken taco soup full of beans and vegetables that's ready in just 25 minutes. #StockUpOnDelMonte #Safeway Ad

    Chicken Taco Soup

    FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

    Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

      ​
      ​

      Categories

      Sites I am featured In
      PRIVACY POLICY ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT © Sara Welch and Dinner at the Zoo® LLC, 2015-2022.
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • RSS
      • Twitter
      • About Me
      • Contact Me
      • All Recipes
      • Dinner
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
      • One Pot Meals
      • Slow Cooker
      • Asian Food