Name: Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti or linguine; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed); 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1/2 cup diced onion; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

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There are dishes you whip up in a pinch, and then there’s Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini: a true showstopper bubbling with creamy, cheesy goodness and loaded with tender chicken, golden-topped pasta, and savory mushrooms. If you’re searching for the ultimate comforting casserole, this recipe wraps everything you love about homestyle cooking into one irresistible bake. Whether for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or potlucks, this dish never fails to gather smiles and empty plates—because every forkful delivers that perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence.

Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini is all about simple pantry favorites put together with care. Each ingredient adds its own special flavor, creaminess, or hearty texture, making the final result memorably layered and satisfying. Don’t skip the little touches, as they truly make this casserole sing!

Spaghetti or linguine (12 oz): The foundation—choose your favorite long pasta for a perfect bite that holds the sauce.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the vegetables and adding depth at every step.
Cooked chicken (3 cups, shredded or cubed): Rotisserie chicken keeps prep quick and provides unbeatable tenderness.
Sliced mushrooms (1 cup): Earthy and rich, mushrooms add an umami punch that ties the casserole together.
Diced onion (1/2 cup): Aromatic sweetness that forms the savory base of your sauce.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Just a couple bring wonderful warmth and depth.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Creates a luscious roux for the creamy sauce.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the sauce until it’s velvet-smooth.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Intensifies the meaty, savory flavors throughout.
Whole milk (1 cup): Adds richness and helps give the sauce its silky texture.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes every bite dreamy and extra luxurious.
Dry white wine (1/2 cup, optional): Balances all the creamy, cheesy notes with a subtle brightness.
Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): Melts right into the sauce for nutty, salty intensity.
Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Provides stretch and gooeyness on top and within.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out all the flavors.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just the right amount of gentle heat.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): The secret ingredient—gives the sauce unexpected warmth.
Chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup): Adds brightness and a fresh finish.
Seasoned breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Let’s talk about crunch! This topping is what makes every bite crave-able.

How to Make Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get ahead by cooking your pasta to just al dente, since it’ll continue softening in the oven’s embrace. Drain it well and toss with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking—this step pays off later, trust me!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in your olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until they turn golden and soft; about five minutes should do it. When they’re nearly perfect, add the minced garlic and let it perfume the kitchen for another minute. Remove everything from the heat and set it aside for the magic that’s about to happen.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

Now, in a large saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat and sprinkle in the flour. Whisk everything together for a couple of minutes until the flour takes on a pale golden hue and smells toasty. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, followed by the milk and cream—keep whisking to avoid lumps! If you’re using wine, drizzle that in, too. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and nutmeg into the pot, and let everything simmer for around five minutes until the sauce thickens up. Once it’s creamy and luscious, stir in all that grated Parmesan cheese so it melts to silky perfection.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Here’s where Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini becomes a casserole superstar. In a big mixing bowl, add your cooked pasta, tender chunks of chicken, sautéed veggies, and the entire batch of sauce. Give it a thorough stir to coat every strand. Pour this hearty mix into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing into an even layer.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake

Scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese across the top, followed by an even sprinkle of seasoned breadcrumbs. Place your casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown, everything is bubbly, and your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Right before serving, shower the bubbly casserole with chopped fresh parsley. This vibrant burst of green brightens up the whole dish and makes every serving pop.

How to Serve Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini

Garnishes

For that restaurant-level finish, scatter over plenty of fresh parsley and, if you love bold flavor, a few grinds of black pepper or an extra shower of Parmesan. Lemon zest works wonders if you prefer a lively zing. Sprinkle right before serving so your garnishes stay vibrant and fresh!

Side Dishes

Because Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini is rich and creamy, serve it with something crisp and refreshing! I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in a sharp vinaigrette, buttery garlic bread for dipping, or some roasted seasonal veggies. These sides balance out the decadence and add a colorful contrast to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

While a big casserole dish is classic, you can bake individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party twist, or scoop the filling into hollowed bread bowls for an ultra-cozy presentation. For potlucks, transfer everything to a disposable, oven-safe tray for easy sharing. No matter how you style it, Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini always steals the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors keep getting better, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner even more delicious! Just be sure to let it cool slightly before refrigerating.

Freezing

Absolutely—this is a fantastic make-ahead freezer meal. Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, skip baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. You can also freeze individual portions for handy weeknight dinners.

Reheating

To reheat, place your Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot all the way through (usually about 20–25 minutes). For a single serving, the microwave works well—just be sure to cover and heat in intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken in Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini?

Definitely! This recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey—just swap it in for the chicken, and follow the rest of the steps as written. The flavor and texture will be just as satisfying.

What’s the best type Main Course

Spaghetti and linguine are the go-to classics, but you can also experiment with fettuccine or even rotini. The key is to use pasta that holds the creamy sauce well and doesn’t get mushy when baked.

Can I make Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or when prepping for guests.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta, a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the roux, and check that your breadcrumbs are gluten-free as well. The rest of the steps remain the same.

Can I add vegetables to Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini?

Of course! Toss in a handful of cooked peas, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli for extra color and nutrition. Just make sure to drain off any excess moisture before mixing them in, so your casserole stays nice and creamy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to serve up some pure comfort and flavor, you can’t go wrong with Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini. This recipe brings people together, satisfies every craving, and is as fun to make as it is to share. Give it a whirl—and don’t be surprised when it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen!

Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

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4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy and comforting baked pasta dish loaded with chicken, mushrooms, and a rich cheese sauce. It’s a perfect family dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

12 oz spaghetti or linguine
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Chicken Mixture:

3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup diced onion
2 garlic cloves (minced)

For the Cheese Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For Topping:

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, then toss with olive oil.
Sauté Vegetables: Sauté onions and mushrooms in olive oil.
Make Sauce: Prepare a creamy sauce with butter, flour, broth, milk, cream, and seasonings.
Combine Ingredients: Mix pasta, chicken, vegetables, and sauce together.
Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and breadcrumbs, then bake until golden.
Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.