Name: Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16-oz) package linguine pasta; 1 whole rotisserie chicken, meat removed and chopped; 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup; 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of mushroom soup; 1 (16-oz) container sour cream; ⅓ cup butter, melted; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tsp dried parsley

I absolutely love sharing this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe with friends and family because it always brings warmth and comfort to the table. For me, this dish is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and satisfying—a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or making a freezer meal for busy days ahead, this casserole never fails to impress with its rich flavors and tender chicken mixed with linguine in a luscious sauce.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

What really makes this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe stand out for me is the depth of flavor packed into such a simple dish. The creamy blend of two kinds of soup, sour cream, and a bit of chicken broth creates a velvety sauce that hugs every strand of linguine perfectly. Then the cheeses, mozzarella and Parmesan, melt into a bubbly, golden topping that adds the perfect textural balance. It’s that combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory that I find absolutely irresistible.

I also appreciate how easy it is to prepare this recipe. The steps are straightforward, and I often use a rotisserie chicken to save time, which means I can get dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing any flavor. It’s a fantastic recipe to make ahead and even freezes beautifully—ideal for meal prepping or hosting guests without stress.

For me, Chicken Tetrazzini works wonderfully for so many occasions, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a holiday side, or even a potluck dish. Its cozy, satisfying nature makes it feel special, yet it’s simple enough to be a weekday favorite. Wherever I serve it, it’s always a hit that invites seconds and requests to add it to the regular dinner rotation.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy, cheesy casserole. The top layer is golden yellow melted cheese sprinkled with small pieces of chopped green herbs. Below that, soft white shredded chicken mixed with a creamy white sauce is visible where a woman’s hand holding a fork lifts a portion from the dish. The casserole sits on a white marbled surface, next to a small bunch of fresh green parsley and a blue and white checkered cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients in this recipe are wonderfully simple yet all essential to creating the creamy and hearty dish I love. Each component brings a distinct texture, flavor, or richness that combines into a comforting casserole you’ll want to make again and again.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Linguine pasta: The sturdy shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully without getting mushy.
Rotisserie chicken: Provides tender, flavorful meat and makes preparation quick and easy.
Cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups: These create the rich, savory base of the sauce.
Sour cream: Adds a slight tang and extra creaminess that elevates the texture.
Butter: Enhances the richness and helps the sauce meld together perfectly.
Chicken broth: Thins the sauce just enough to keep everything moist and luscious.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder): Build depth and balance in the flavor profile.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp flair that contrasts nicely with the creamy base.
Mozzarella cheese: Creates the irresistible melty, bubbly topping everyone loves.
Dried parsley: Provides a fresh, herby finish and a pop of color on top.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300ºF and lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain it well. This will ensure the pasta maintains its texture during baking.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped rotisserie chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir these together until well blended and smooth.

Step 4: Gently fold the cooked linguine into the creamy chicken mixture, making sure every noodle is coated with that luscious sauce.

Step 5: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses on top followed by a light dusting of dried parsley for color and flavor.

Step 6: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 7: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden on top. Keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn.

Servings and Timing

This Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe generously serves 8 people, making it perfect for larger family dinners or meal prepping for the week. The prep time is just about 15 minutes thanks to the use of rotisserie chicken and simple mixing, while it bakes for around 1 hour. Overall, you’re looking at a total time commitment of roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, which feels very manageable for such a rewarding, comforting dish. No additional resting time is needed, so it’s ready to enjoy as soon as it’s out of the oven.

How to Serve This Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

When I serve this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe, I like to pair it with something fresh and light to balance the creamy richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed green beans offers a wonderful contrast. Roasted vegetables also work beautifully if you want to add a bit of earthiness and texture to the meal.

For garnishing, I often add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little extra Parmesan right before serving to give it an inviting, colorful finish. Presentation-wise, scooping the casserole into warm bowls or onto plates with nice portions makes it feel special without any fuss.

If you’re wondering about beverages, I love pairing this dish with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio because their acidity cuts through the creaminess. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon is my go-to as it refreshes the palate. Chicken Tetrazzini is best served warm straight from the oven, but leftovers taste great gently reheated too, especially when you want that cozy, comforting vibe at home.

Variations

One of the best things about this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to change things up, you can swap linguine for spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne to change the texture slightly. For a gluten-free option, I’ve used gluten-free pasta with excellent results, and the creamy, cheesy sauce covers everything just as beautifully.

If you’re catering to dietary needs, switching out the cream of chicken and mushroom soups with homemade or dairy-free versions makes this recipe vegan-friendly, paired with plant-based cheeses and sour cream alternatives. You can also add in veggies like mushrooms, peas, or spinach to boost the nutrition and add variety.

For a flavor twist, I sometimes add a splash of white wine into the sauce or use smoked mozzarella for a subtle smoky note. Baking in smaller individual ramekins rather than one large dish is another fun way to customize serving sizes and presentation, especially for parties or potlucks.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers of this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe, I usually transfer the cooled casserole into airtight containers or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Properly stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy it again without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully and is a perfect make-ahead freezer meal. For freezing, I recommend portioning into freezer-safe containers or covering the entire baking dish tightly with heavy-duty foil and plastic wrap. It’s best to use it within 2 to 3 months for optimal taste. When you’re ready to bake from frozen, just thaw overnight in the fridge first to ensure even cooking.

Reheating

When reheating, the oven is my preferred method to help keep the top crispy and the inside creamy. Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake at 350ºF until warmed through, usually about 20 to 30 minutes depending on portion size. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can sometimes make the cheese and sauce separate or become rubbery. If you do use a microwave, reheat in shorter bursts and stir halfway through for best results.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken in this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works beautifully here. Just chop it up and stir it in with the other ingredients. Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but any cooked chicken you have will make this casserole delicious.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate before baking?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare everything, assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just extend the baking time slightly, and remove the foil towards the end for that perfect golden cheese topping.

Can I substitute the two cream soups with homemade sauce?

Definitely! If you prefer homemade, a simple béchamel or creamy mushroom and chicken sauce will work well as a substitute. Just make sure your sauce is thick enough to hold the casserole together without being too watery.

What kind of cheese works best in the topping?

Mozzarella provides that irresistible meltiness and stretch, while Parmesan adds savory, nutty notes and helps brown the top. Using a combination of these two cheeses gives the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

How can I make this dish lower in calories or lighter?

You can lighten the recipe by using reduced-fat sour cream, lower-fat cheese options, or less butter. Also, swapping regular cream soups for homemade versions using skim milk or broth can reduce fat content without losing the creamy texture.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s both easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, you have to give this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that warms the heart and fills the belly with every creamy, cheesy bite. I’m confident it’ll become a treasured favorite in your meal rotation as it has in mine. Happy cooking!