I make this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini when I’m craving a creamy, garlicky pasta bake that comes together in under an hour and feeds a crowd. It’s cheesy, comforting, and perfect for weeks when I want minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quickly it comes together using store-bought rotisserie chicken and pantry staples. The sauce is rich and cheesy, with a bold garlic flavor. It’s a one-pan, budget-friendly, freezer- and make-ahead-friendly recipe—perfect for busy nights or feeding guests.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• 16 oz linguini (you could also use spaghetti, bucatini, or fettuccini)
• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp pepper
• ¼ cup butter, softened (for buttering casserole dish)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F and butter my casserole dish with the softened butter.
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I cook the noodles to al dente, drain them, and set them aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, garlic, sour cream, chicken broth, parsley, Italian seasoning, and pepper until smooth.
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I stir in half of the shredded cheeses, the shredded chicken, and the cooked pasta, mixing everything until well coated.
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I transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, then top with the remaining cheeses and a sprinkle of parsley.
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I bake it for about 35 minutes, until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top.
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I let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets up nicely.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings. Prep time is around 10 minutes, bake time is about 35 minutes, and total time is approximately 45 minutes.
Variations
• I sometimes swap the linguini for spaghetti, bucatini, or penne.
• I like to add peas or sautéed mushrooms if I want to include some vegetables.
• I’ve used leftover turkey instead of chicken and it works great.
• For extra richness, I occasionally add a splash of dry sherry or white wine to the sauce.
• To make it gluten-free, I use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free condensed soups.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If I want to freeze it, I assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat it, I thaw it in the fridge overnight, top it with cheese, and bake as directed—sometimes adding 5–10 extra minutes. To reheat leftovers, I cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or milk if it seems dry.
FAQs
How do I make this ahead of time?
I assemble the entire casserole without baking it, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When I’m ready, I bake it as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Can I freeze this?
Yes, I freeze the unbaked casserole, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. I often use spaghetti, bucatini, or penne depending on what I have. I just make sure to cook it al dente.
Can I make this without canned soup?
Yes, I can substitute with a homemade white sauce or béchamel if I prefer a from-scratch version, but I like the convenience and taste of the canned soup.
What sides go well with this dish?
I usually serve it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to balance the richness.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini has become one of my go-to comfort food recipes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—all while being simple to prepare. Whether I’m making it for a family dinner or storing it away for later, it always delivers on taste and convenience.
Print
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and garlicky pasta bake made with rotisserie chicken and pantry staples. This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is perfect for busy nights, feeding guests, or meal prepping ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 16 oz linguini (or spaghetti, bucatini, or fettuccini)
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ cup butter, softened (for buttering casserole dish)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish with softened butter.
- Cook the noodles to al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, garlic, sour cream, chicken broth, parsley, Italian seasoning, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheeses, shredded chicken, and cooked pasta until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and top with the remaining cheeses and a sprinkle of dried parsley.
- Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Swap linguini with other pasta shapes like spaghetti, penne, or bucatini.
- Add frozen peas or sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Use leftover turkey instead of chicken for variation.
- Add a splash of dry sherry or white wine for a richer sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta and soups to make this gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg