Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake

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Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy—Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. It’s packed with tender chicken, golden mushrooms, and spaghetti, all blanketed in a rich, velvety sauce made from cream, cheese, and a touch of white wine or broth. Every bite is a warm, savory hug, perfect for cozy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd.

This casserole-style pasta dish isn’t just about flavor—it’s also incredibly satisfying to prepare and serve. It makes use of pantry staples and leftover chicken in the most delicious way. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep for the week, or to share with friends, it’s a guaranteed hit. One pan, big flavor, and even better leftovers.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake

• Ultra-creamy texture from a homemade sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
• Perfect for leftovers—reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day.
• Feeds a crowd—great for potlucks, dinner parties, or family gatherings.
• Versatile ingredients—use rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even substitute veggies.
• Comfort food classic that feels nostalgic yet elegant.
• Freezer-friendly—make ahead and bake when needed.
• Balanced richness with the right amount of herbs, creaminess, and texture.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment + Importance of Each Tool)

To make the perfect Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake, a few key tools can really streamline the process and improve results:

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta. A deep pot ensures even cooking and prevents overflow.
• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Used to cook the chicken and vegetables, and to make the creamy sauce. A heavy-bottomed skillet helps distribute heat evenly without scorching the sauce.
• Mixing Bowl: Handy for combining pasta, sauce, and chicken before transferring to the baking dish.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: The ideal size for this casserole. It ensures the pasta bakes evenly and gets that delicious golden crust on top.
• Whisk: Helps create a smooth sauce by breaking up lumps in flour and cheese mixtures.
• Colander: For draining the pasta without making a mess.
• Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for gently mixing ingredients without breaking the pasta.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the casserole during baking to keep it from drying out before the cheese melts.

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Preparation Tips

• Cook Pasta Just Until Al Dente: The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking it keeps it from becoming mushy.
• Use Leftover or Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds flavor. If cooking fresh chicken, season well and don’t overcook.
• Sauté Mushrooms Well: Let them brown and release their moisture—it builds deep, savory flavor.
• Warm the Milk/Cream Before Adding: Prevents curdling and helps the sauce come together quickly.
• Combine Everything While Warm: Mixing the sauce, chicken, and pasta while still warm helps the ingredients meld better.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning Before Baking: Once it’s in the oven, it’s harder to fix blandness.
• Top with Extra Cheese: A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan on top adds golden, bubbly richness.

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Ingredients for This Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this creamy, cheesy comfort classic:

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, broken in half
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, or use more broth)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients come together to build a luscious, savory base that wraps around the pasta and chicken like a creamy blanket—just the way Chicken Tetrazzini should be.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and mushrooms. Cook for about 6–8 minutes until the mushrooms release moisture and start to brown. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

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Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir for about 1 minute to cook off the raw taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, wine (if using), and milk. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens—about 5 minutes.

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Step 4: Add the Creamy Components

Turn the heat to low. Stir in the sour cream, Parmesan cheese, ½ cup of mozzarella, salt, pepper, and thyme or Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

In a large mixing bowl (or directly in the skillet if it’s big enough), combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

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Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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Notes

• Customize the Protein: You can swap the chicken for turkey or even canned tuna for a different spin on this bake.
• Add Veggies: Peas, spinach, or red bell peppers can be added for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it Ahead: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake just before serving.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Pasta: Remember that the pasta continues to bake in the oven. Boiling it fully upfront leads to mushy noodles.
• Skipping the Sauté Step: Properly cooking the onions and mushrooms builds flavor—don’t rush it.
• Curdled Sauce: Adding cold milk or broth to a hot pan can cause curdling. Warm your liquids slightly before incorporating.
• Overbaking: Keep a close eye during the final uncovered bake to avoid drying out the top layer.
• Forgetting to Season: The sauce needs enough salt and pepper to flavor the entire dish. Taste before assembling.
• Using Pre-shredded Cheese Only: Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a smoother, richer texture.
• Crowding the Pan: If your skillet is too small when mixing the pasta and sauce, transfer to a larger bowl to prevent clumping.
• Not Resting Before Serving: Letting the bake rest helps everything set and makes serving cleaner.

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What to Serve With Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake?

This rich and creamy dish pairs well with lighter, crisp sides and refreshing accompaniments to balance its hearty nature. Here are some delicious options:

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – Perfect for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
2. Mixed Green Salad – A simple vinaigrette-dressed salad adds freshness and crunch.
3. Steamed Green Beans – Lightly seasoned or tossed with lemon zest and olive oil.
4. Roasted Asparagus – Adds color and earthy flavor to your plate.
5. Caesar Salad – The tangy dressing and crunchy croutons cut through the creamy pasta.
6. Brussels Sprouts – Roasted or sautéed with balsamic glaze complements the richness.
7. Caprese Salad – Tomato, mozzarella, and basil offer a cool contrast to the warm bake.
8. Lemon-Butter Zucchini Ribbons – Light and citrusy, they refresh the palate without overpowering.

These sides round out the meal, ensuring your Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake shines without overwhelming the senses.

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Storage Instructions

Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake stores and reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option.

• Refrigerator: Let the bake cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings)

• Calories: 510
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

These values are estimates and may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes used. Still, the dish offers a great balance of protein, fats, and comforting carbs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Spaghetti is classic, but you can use linguine, fettuccine, rotini, or penne. Just cook until al dente so it holds up in the bake.

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2. Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

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3. Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake without mushrooms?

Yes, simply leave them out or replace with a vegetable like zucchini or bell peppers for added texture.

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4. How do I make this recipe lighter?

You can use reduced-fat milk, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and go lighter on the cheese. It’ll still be creamy and satisfying.

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5. Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

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6. Can I add vegetables to the bake?

Definitely. Frozen peas, spinach, broccoli, or even diced carrots work well. Add them during the sauce stage or mix in before baking.

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7. What’s a good substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt or cream cheese works well as an alternative—just be sure to adjust seasonings as they vary in flavor and tang.

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8. How do I avoid a watery sauce after baking?

Make sure your mushrooms are well sautéed to release moisture before adding liquid, and let the bake sit for 10 minutes after coming out of the oven to allow it to set.

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Conclusion

Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake is more than just a cozy comfort food—it’s a flexible, family-friendly dish that delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction. From weeknight dinners to potluck favorites, this bake brings warmth to the table and leaves everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you go classic or put your own twist on it, one thing’s for sure—it will become a repeat request in your kitchen.

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