If you’re searching for a comforting, creamy dish that your whole family will love, look no further than this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini.
This dish combines tender chicken and mushrooms with linguine pasta in a deliciously rich sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
Chicken Tetrazzini is one of those classic recipes that warms the heart and fills the belly.
It’s comforting, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Plus, it’s super easy to make! One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s a great way to use leftover chicken.
You can whip this up in no time and it’s a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids.
Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just making a cozy meal at home, this dish never disappoints.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Chicken Tetrazzini:
- 1 ½ pounds (680 g) chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil (not extra virgin)
- 6 tablespoons (84 g) unsalted butter, divided
- 1 pound (450 g) linguine pasta
- 1 pound (450 g) button mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) half and half
- 2 cups (240 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup (21 g) grated Parmesan cheese
How To Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms.
Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and mushrooms are tender.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to combine.
Cook for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
Slowly add in the half and half while stirring.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes until it’s creamy and well combined.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Add the shredded chicken and cooked linguine to the creamy sauce in the skillet.
Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the sauce.
Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Bake the Tetrazzini
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Dot the surface with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Step 7: Bake and Serve
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Chicken Tetrazzini!
Expert Tips
- For even more flavor, try adding some herbs like thyme or parsley to the sauce.
- You can substitute the linguine with any pasta shape you love, such as penne or fusilli.
- If you prefer a crunchier topping, broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Make sure to stir the sauce well to prevent lumps when adding the flour and liquids.
Variations and Customizations
Feel free to make this Chicken Tetrazzini your own! Here are some ideas:
- Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- For a gourmet twist, use shiitake mushrooms instead of button mushrooms.
- Swap out the mozzarella for other cheeses like cheddar or Gouda for a different flavor.
- Replace the chicken with cooked turkey or even shrimp for a seafood version.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftover Chicken Tetrazzini, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will last for about 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.
If you want to freeze it, cover tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating!
FAQ
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked chicken is a great time saver.
Just toss it in during Step 5 when mixing everything together.
What other types of pasta work for Chicken Tetrazzini?
You can use any pasta shape you like! Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti will work just fine.
Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance.
Just cover and refrigerate before baking.
When it’s time to eat, simply bake it as directed.
Is Chicken Tetrazzini suitable for freezing?
Yes, Chicken Tetrazzini freezes well! Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is the ultimate comfort food.
It’s creamy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners or even special gatherings.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
I hope you give it a try and enjoy every bite! Happy cooking!

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large Pot
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts
Seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cooking Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (not extra virgin)
Butter
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
Pasta
- 1 pound linguine pasta
Vegetables
- 1 pound button mushrooms thickly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1.5 cups half and half
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and shred.
- Step 2: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add linguine pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add onion and mushrooms, sauté for 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Step 4: Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir, and cook for a minute. Gradually add chicken stock, stirring until thickened. Slowly add half and half, simmer until creamy.
- Step 5: Add shredded chicken and cooked linguine to the sauce, toss to coat. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, dot with remaining butter.
- Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.