Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Bake Recipe

Few dishes evoke the warmth and nostalgia of a home-cooked meal quite like a classic casserole. Among these, Chicken Tetrazzini holds a special place. Creamy, savory, and richly satisfying, it combines tender pieces of chicken with pasta, mushrooms, and a velvety white sauce—all baked to golden perfection beneath a blanket of cheese and crispy topping.

Although it may sound Italian, Chicken Tetrazzini is a distinctly American invention, named in honor of the famed Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini, who was a culinary muse in the early 20th century. The dish was reportedly created by chefs in San Francisco or New York (accounts vary), and was designed to capture the opulence of Italian cuisine while catering to American tastes. With its creamy béchamel-style sauce, noodles, poultry, and rich cheese topping, Tetrazzini was the kind of comfort food that graced dinner tables in the mid-century era and is still beloved today.

At its core, Chicken Tetrazzini is about balance—comfort without excess, richness without heaviness, and flavor without fuss. It’s an ideal dish for using leftover cooked chicken or even turkey, and it freezes beautifully, making it a go-to meal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and make-ahead meal planning.

What makes this version of Chicken Tetrazzini unique is that it’s a modern, health-conscious update of the classic—without sacrificing flavor. While staying true to the creamy and savory profile of the traditional recipe, this version incorporates a few thoughtful changes: less processed ingredients, optional swaps for lower-fat or gluten-free versions, and vegetables added for extra nutrition and texture. That makes this casserole not only delicious but adaptable to your dietary preferences.

In the sections that follow, we’ll take a deep dive into every aspect of this dish—from understanding the types of pasta and cheeses that work best, to building a perfectly smooth and flavorful white sauce, to assembling and baking the casserole with foolproof results. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week, this guide will help you create a restaurant-quality Chicken Tetrazzini with minimal stress.

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Bake

The preparation of Chicken Tetrazzini is a straightforward process that involves cooking the pasta, making the creamy sauce, and assembling everything before baking it to perfection. Here’s how to do it, step by step.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Temperature: 375°F (190°C)

Preheating your oven to 375°F ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and brown nicely on top. While the oven heats up, you’ll prepare the pasta and other ingredients.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring 4–5 cups of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.

2. Add 8 oz of pasta (spaghetti or linguine) to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, usually 7 to 9 minutes, or until the pasta is just al dente.

3. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. To prevent sticking, you can toss the pasta with a small drizzle of olive oil.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

2. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced mushrooms (about 1 cup) and sauté them for 4–5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the mushrooms have softened and released their moisture, turning golden brown.

3. Add the minced garlic (2 to 3 cloves) and continue sautéing for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.

Tip: If you prefer a more caramelized flavor, you can cook the mushrooms a little longer until they reach a deeper golden brown color.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce (Roux)

Now, let’s make the creamy sauce that will bind everything together.

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

2. Add ¼ cup of flour to the butter and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste (this is called a roux). Cook for about 1–2 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour, but don’t let it brown.

3. Gradually add 2 cups of chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

4. Once the broth is fully incorporated, slowly add 1½ cups of whole milk (or dairy-free milk) while continuing to whisk.

5. Let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a creamy consistency. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more broth or milk to reach your desired texture.

6. Once thickened, season the sauce with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp of garlic powder (optional) to taste.

Step 5: Combine the Sauce and Pasta

Instructions:

1. To the creamy sauce, add the cooked chicken (shredded or diced) and sautéed mushrooms and garlic. Stir everything together to combine.

2. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and toss gently until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

3. Stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend) until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, cheesy mixture.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Instructions:

1. Transfer the creamy pasta and chicken mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. Spread it out evenly, using a spatula to smooth the top.

3. Sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will give it a golden, crispy crust when baked.

Optional Add-ins: At this point, you can add any additional vegetables like peas, spinach, or green beans, or even crumbled bacon or pancetta for extra flavor and texture.

Step 7: Bake the Chicken Tetrazzini

Baking Time: 20–25 minutes

Instructions:

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

2. If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Tip: If the casserole is browning too quickly but isn’t fully heated through, you can loosely cover the top with aluminum foil and continue baking.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for 5–10 minutes to cool slightly before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.

Instructions:

1. Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or another herb of your choice (like thyme or basil) for a pop of color and flavor.

2. Serve hot with a side of green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Optional Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad pairs well with the rich, creamy casserole.

• Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy, buttered garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy side dishes that complement the richness of the casserole.

Tips for Success

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s convenient, flavorful, and perfect for this casserole.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue cooking while baking in the oven, be sure to cook it al dente. This prevents it from becoming too soft and mushy in the final dish.

• Add More Veggies: For added nutrition, try adding extra vegetables like spinach, peas, or carrots to the mix.

• Texture Tips: If you like your casserole with a bit of crunch on top, add panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking. This will give you a crisp topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy interior.