Name: Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz linguine or spaghetti; 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced, or 1.5 lbs cooked chicken breast*; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 lb button mushrooms, thickly sliced; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 4 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 Tbsp lemon juice; 2 cups half & half, or equal parts milk & heavy cream; 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus more to garnish; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

If you’ve ever craved a cozy, comforting pasta bake that’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious sauce all baked to bubbly perfection. Trust me—you’ll want to make this again and again, especially on chilly nights when a warm hug from a casserole is just what you need.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food at its Finest: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory chicken and mushrooms, this bake hits all the cozy notes.
Simple, Straightforward Steps: Even if you’re a bit nervous about casseroles, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow with great results.
Perfect for Using Leftover Chicken: Got rotisserie chicken? This is a fantastic way to transform it into something special.
Flexible & Customizable: Whether you want to swap mushrooms or adjust the cheese, this recipe welcomes your creativity.

A white baking dish filled with creamy baked spaghetti is shown, featuring one thick layer of pasta mixed with mushrooms and shredded chicken, all covered with a smooth, melted white cheese sauce. The top layer is sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs. A silver serving spoon lifts a portion of the spaghetti noodles, showing the soft texture and strands of melted cheese stretching from the dish. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake, Chicken Tetrazzini casserole, cheesy pasta bake, cozy chicken pasta dish, easy creamy chicken bake

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe, the ingredients come together to create a rich and velvety sauce that complements the hearty chicken and pasta perfectly. I always recommend grabbing quality pasta and fresh mushrooms to really elevate the dish.

Flat lay of thickly sliced fresh button mushrooms, finely chopped medium onion, four whole garlic cloves with clean skins, two brown eggs with uncracked shells, fresh chopped parsley sprigs, a cluster of shredded rotisserie chicken pieces, a small mound of shredded mozzarella cheese, a nest of uncooked linguine pasta, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding unsalted butter chunks, a small white ceramic bowl containing smooth all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of light yellow lemon juice, and a small white ceramic bowl with creamy half and half placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake, Chicken Tetrazzini casserole, cheesy pasta bake, cozy chicken pasta dish, easy creamy chicken bake

Linguine or Spaghetti: I prefer linguine since its flat shape holds the sauce well, but spaghetti works just fine too. Using bronze-cut pasta is a nice upgrade for texture.
Rotisserie Chicken or Chicken Breast: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and super flavorful, but cooking your own chicken breast lets you control seasoning.
Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing to add subtle flavor.
Button Mushrooms: Thickly sliced for meaty texture; cremini or baby bellas also work well.
Onion: Finely chopped to melt into the sauce and add a touch of sweetness.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is a must for that fragrant punch.
Unsalted Butter: Key for making the roux base of the creamy sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce just right—don’t skip this step!
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
Lemon Juice: A splash brightens the whole dish and cuts through the creaminess.
Half & Half (or milk & heavy cream): I use half & half to keep it rich but not too heavy. Feel free to sub with milk and cream.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper elevates flavor; salt to taste.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness both inside and as a garnish.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Lots of melty cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe invites personalization. Whether you have dietary preferences or want to jazz it up seasonally, there’s plenty of room to get creative.

Mushroom Swap: Instead of button mushrooms, I’ve used cremini or shiitake for a deeper, woodsy flavor that my family adored.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and double the mushrooms or add peas and spinach for a veggie-friendly twist.
Cheese Options: Mixing mozzarella with Parmesan or Gruyère can add a nice nutty complexity I’ve experimented with.
Gluten-Free Pasta: I’ve tried gluten-free linguine here and it still tastes wonderful—just watch your cooking times to avoid mushiness.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta Just Right

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—make sure it tastes like the ocean because this is how your pasta will be perfectly seasoned. Cook the linguine until it’s just barely al dente, meaning it still has a nice bite since it’ll cook more in the oven. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. This little trick helps you loosen the sauce later if it feels thick.

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms, Onions & Garlic to Golden Perfection

While the pasta cooks, heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your thickly sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 3 minutes, until they start to soften and release their juices. Toss in diced onions and let them cook gently until they’re soft and golden, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. Lastly, add the minced garlic for about one more minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then, transfer this tasty mixture to a cutting board with your prepared chicken.

Step 3: Whip Up That Creamy Sauce

Using the same pot you boiled pasta in (clean it if needed), melt your butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the flour and cook it for about 1½ minutes, stirring constantly until it turns a light golden color—this is your roux, the magic base for creamy sauce that won’t be lumpy. Gradually add chicken broth and lemon juice while whisking, then stir in salt and pepper. Pour in the half & half and bring it to a gentle simmer. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed. This simple sauce becomes a luscious blanket that holds everything together brilliantly.

Step 4: Combine & Bake for Ultimate Comfort

To the pot with sauce, add your cooked pasta, shredded chicken, mushroom mixture, and chopped parsley. Stir everything well, adding in some reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick—this keeps it nice and saucy after baking. Transfer this comforting mixture into your buttered casserole dish and generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes. For that golden bubbly crown, I usually broil it for the last 1-2 minutes—just keep a close eye to avoid burning!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Don’t Overcook Pasta: I learned the hard way—overcooked pasta turns mushy after baking. Aim for al dente in boiling water.
Reserve Pasta Water: Adding just a bit of that starchy water brightens up the sauce and loosens it beautifully.
Layer Flavors: Sautéing mushrooms and onions separately infuses the bake with deeper umami notes than using raw veggies.
Broil at the End: That quick broil step creates a perfectly golden crust—don’t skip it or you miss the best texture contrast.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a bit of fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving—it brightens up the dish and adds a fresh pop of color. Sometimes I also add a light grating of Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy zing that my family raves about.

Side Dishes

This creamy bake stands well on its own, but I usually serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices also make perfect companions for soaking up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this casserole in individual ramekins for personal “tetrazzini cups” that feel fancy yet homey. Another fun twist is swirling in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes or topping with toasted breadcrumbs to add crunch and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always let leftovers cool completely before covering tightly and storing them in the fridge. They keep nicely for up to 5 days, and the flavors often deepen after a day. Just reheat gently to keep that creamy texture intact.

Freezing

This is a freezer-friendly recipe! I assemble the casserole but skip the final cheese topping before freezing. Wrapped well, it stays good up to 6 months. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge, add cheese, and bake as usual.

Reheating

Reheating is best done in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out. It usually takes about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you want to revive that golden top, I broil for a minute or two at the end—just keep an eye on it!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti are traditional and hold the sauce well, you can use penne, fettuccine, or even shell pasta. Just adjust the cooking time so the pasta stays al dente since it will bake further in the oven.
Is it okay to substitute the half & half?

Yes! If you don’t have half & half, a mix of equal parts milk and heavy cream works beautifully. This combo still keeps the sauce rich and creamy without being overly heavy.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch in the sauce. Just whisk cornstarch with a bit of cold chicken broth before adding to avoid lumps.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole a day or two in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add the mozzarella cheese on top right before baking so it melts fresh and golden.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort dishes whenever I want something that’s both hearty and elegant without much fuss. I love sharing it with friends and family because it feels like a warm hug in every bite. I really hope you give it a try—you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make and how quickly it becomes a favorite in your rotation!