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When you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of tender rotisserie chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and a rich, dreamy sauce made with cream of chicken and mushroom soups combined with velvety sour cream. Topped with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this casserole bakes up to golden, bubbly perfection that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe hits all the right notes with satisfying flavors, creamy texture, and just the right hint of herbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that work together beautifully to create a rich and hearty dish. Each component plays an essential role—whether it’s adding creaminess, flavor depth, or cheesy goodness—ensuring every bite tastes like a delightful indulgence.
- 1 (16-oz) package linguine pasta: Provides the perfect base with a firm yet tender bite that holds the sauce well.
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken (meat removed and chopped): Pre-cooked chicken adds a tender, juicy protein without extra prep time.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creamy richness and subtle chicken flavor.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup: Gives earthiness and depth, balancing the creaminess.
- 1 (16-oz) container sour cream: Creates a velvety, tangy texture that elevates the sauce.
- â…“ cup butter (melted): Brings smooth richness and keeps the casserole moist.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds a savory undertone and thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- ½ tsp pepper: Provides a mild spicy note to balance the creaminess.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor layer on top of the casserole.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, golden crust.
- 2 tsp dried parsley: Sprinkles fresh color and a mild herbaceous touch to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 300ºF—this lower temperature allows the casserole to bake evenly and develop maximum creaminess. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray so your casserole won’t stick and will be easy to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Linguine Pasta
Follow the package directions for your linguine pasta until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain well—this ensures the noodles don’t get soggy in the casserole, maintaining that perfect texture balance.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Chicken and Sauce
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 everything together until smooth and creamy—this flavorful mixture is the heart of the casserole and where all the magic happens. Then fold in the cooked linguine so every strand is enveloped in that luscious sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your creamy chicken and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese followed by the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of dried parsley for a touch of vibrant color. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil—this will help lock in moisture as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake covered for 45 minutes. This slow baking lets the flavors meld and the sauce thicken beautifully. Afterward, remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes to allow the cheese topping to melt fully and develop a golden, bubbly crust that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe even more inviting, try adding a fresh garnish just before serving. A handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a burst of bright herbal aroma and color contrast. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can take the dish up another notch.
Side Dishes
This rich casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides to balance out its creaminess. Consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette also complements the casserole perfectly, ideal for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini skillets. This personal touch makes it feel extra special. Alternatively, layering it with additional fresh herbs and a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top can add a lovely crunch and texture contrast that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from drying out. When ready to enjoy, just reheat until warmed through.
Freezing
This casserole freezes very well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. To freeze, cover the prepared (but unbaked) casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer cooked portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover casserole in a preheated 350ºF oven covered with foil and warm for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can remove the foil towards the end to refresh the melted cheese topping. For smaller portions, microwaving is a quick alternative, just cover loosely and heat in short bursts to keep it creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is traditional here, other pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne work wonderfully. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they hold their texture in the casserole.
Is rotisserie chicken necessary or can I use raw chicken?
Using a rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but if you prefer, cooked and shredded raw chicken breasts or thighs will work fine—just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before mixing it in.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To adapt this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe for dairy-free diets, substitute sour cream and cheeses with plant-based alternatives, and use dairy-free butter. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will differ slightly but can still be delicious.
What can I add for extra veggies?
For a veggie boost, consider stirring in sautéed mushrooms, peas, chopped spinach, or steamed broccoli into the mixture before baking. These additions add color, nutrition, and fresh flavors that complement the creamy sauce.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, and bake it when you’re ready. This makes it a fantastic dish for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe truly feels like a kitchen classic reinvented to bring comfort and joy to your table. Its rich, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta makes every bite a little celebration. I cannot wait for you to try it and experience how effortlessly this dish turns into a family favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
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Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Tetrazzini recipe features tender rotisserie chicken, linguine pasta, and a creamy sauce made from cream of chicken and mushroom soups, sour cream, and melted butter. Baked to perfection with a golden cheesy topping of mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16-oz) package linguine pasta
Chicken & Sauce
- 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
- â…“ cup butter (melted)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Topping
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 300ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly once cooked to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large 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 ingredients together until well blended, then fold in the cooked linguine pasta evenly throughout the mixture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then sprinkle with dried parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in during baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake the dish covered for 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to heat through thoroughly without drying out the pasta.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use unsalted soups to control the salt level in the dish more precisely.
- Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken gives this recipe great flavor and saves time.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute some or all of the chicken broth with white wine.
- Do not overcook the pasta to avoid mushy texture after baking; al dente is ideal.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking—add extra baking time if baking directly from cold.
- To add a crunchy topping, sprinkle with breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking uncovered.
