This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole—rich, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor. Tender pasta is tossed with shredded chicken, creamy soups, melty cheeses, and hearty vegetables, then baked to golden perfection under a buttery breadcrumb topping. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish is both satisfying and crowd-pleasing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent—everything you want in a baked pasta dish
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High-protein and satisfying, great for family meals or leftovers
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Uses budget-friendly ingredients like canned soups and shredded chicken
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Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals
Ingredients Breakdown
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Spaghetti or Fettuccine (12 oz): Acts as the hearty base, holding all the creamy, cheesy goodness together.
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Cooked Chicken (4 cups, shredded): Adds protein and turns this casserole into a filling main dish.
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Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz can): Brings earthy flavor and creamy texture.
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Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can): Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
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Sour Cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce tangy and ultra-creamy.
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Milk (1 cup): Helps thin the sauce slightly for even coating.
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Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds nutty, salty flavor that enhances the sauce.
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Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully and adds stretchy texture.
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Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Brings bold, cheesy flavor.
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Onion (1 small, finely diced): Adds aromatic flavor and texture.
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Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with savory depth.
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Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced): Add heartiness and earthy notes.
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Frozen Peas (1/2 cup): Bring color, sweetness, and a bit of texture.
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Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a fresh, bright finish.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
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Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Create a crunchy, golden topping.
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Butter (2 tbsp, melted): Helps the breadcrumbs brown and adds a rich finish.
Tips and Tricks:
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Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
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Add a splash of to the sauce for a gourmet twist.
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Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking for easier slicing.
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Swap spaghetti with egg noodles or penne for a change in texture.
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Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy topping.
Variations and Customizations:
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Add beef bacon or ham for extra savory flavor.
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Mix in broccoli or spinach for a veggie-loaded option.
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Try using cream cheese in place of sour cream for a thicker sauce.
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Use gluten-free pasta and soup alternatives to make it gluten-friendly.
Pairing Suggestions:
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Serve with a side of garlic bread or buttered rolls
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Pair with a fresh Caesar salad or roasted green beans
Storage Instructions:
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Freeze: Freeze unbaked or baked casserole (cooled) for up to 3 months
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Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions
Popular Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add breadcrumbs just before baking.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect, but any cooked and seasoned chicken breast or thighs will work.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.