Name: Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16-oz) package linguine pasta; 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; ⅓ cup butter, melted; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tsp dried parsley

Jump to Recipe·5 from 67 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, creamy, and utterly comforting casserole, you’ve got to try this Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it never fails to wow my family and friends with its rich flavors and cheesy goodness. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or a great dish to bring to gatherings—trust me, once you make it, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to nail this bake every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy Comfort: The blend of cream of chicken and mushroom soups with sour cream creates a silky, luscious sauce that hugs every noodle perfectly.
Easy Weeknight Meal: Using a rotisserie chicken saves tons of time, turning a fancy-sounding dish into a simple, family-friendly dinner.
Cheesy Topping: The mozzarella and Parmesan combo melts into a bubbly, golden crust that’s irresistibly satisfying.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This bake reheats well and even freezes beautifully, which means you can prep in advance for busy days.

Chicken Tetrazzini Bake, creamy chicken casserole, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy chicken bake, comfort food casserole - A white scalloped rectangular baking dish filled with a baked casserole that has multiple layers of pasta sheets covered with creamy white cheese sauce. The top layer is golden-brown and bubbly with specks of green herbs evenly spread across the surface. The edges of the pasta are slightly browned and crispy, giving a textured look to the sides. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe is all about combining simple, wholesome ingredients to create a dish that tastes way more indulgent than it actually is. Each ingredient plays a key role, so let’s talk about why I pick what I do, and how choosing the right versions can make a big difference.

Chicken Tetrazzini Bake, creamy chicken casserole, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy chicken bake, comfort food casserole - Flat lay of linguine pasta nest, chopped cooked rotisserie chicken pieces, small white bowls with creamy chicken soup, creamy mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, white ceramic bowl with grated Parmesan cheese, white ceramic bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, white ceramic bowl holding dried parsley, white ceramic bowls with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically around the composition, 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

Linguine Pasta: I prefer linguine here for its wide, flat shape that holds the creamy sauce better than thinner noodles.
Rotisserie Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and adds wonderful roast chicken flavor—plus, you can use leftovers!
Cream of Chicken & Mushroom Soups: These provide a rich, savory base; I always opt for unsalted versions so I can control the seasoning.
Sour Cream: This adds tanginess and creaminess, which balances the richness from the soups and butter nicely.
Butter & Chicken Broth: Butter adds silkiness, while broth thins out the sauce just enough to coat the noodles without clumping.
Parmesan & Mozzarella Cheeses: Parmesan brings sharp, nutty notes, and mozzarella provides gooey meltiness—together they create the perfect cheesy top layer.
Dried Parsley and Garlic Powder: These give a herby, aromatic lift that makes this dish feel homey and inviting.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe is how flexible it is. Everyone has their own spin, and honestly, that’s part of the fun. Feel free to customize it to suit your family’s preferences, or what you have on hand.

Add Mushrooms: I sometimes toss in fresh sautéed mushrooms to amp up that earthy mushroom flavor and add texture.
Use Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for provolone or add a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for a twist on the cheesy topping—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free cream soups (or homemade versions) to keep this dish accessible without losing any comfort.
Spice It Up: If you like a little kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture before baking.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Linguine Just Right

Start by boiling your linguine until it’s perfectly al dente—firm to the bite but not mushy. This is key because the noodles will keep cooking once baked, and you don’t want them to turn to mush in the casserole. I always give mine a quick rinse under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process, then set it aside.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce Base

In a large bowl, combine your chopped rotisserie chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir it all up until it’s silky and smooth. This mix is the flavor heart of the dish, so give it a good stir to make sure everything’s well combined.

Step 3: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Fold in the cooked pasta gently to coat every strand with that delectable sauce. Don’t rush—treat the pasta with care so it keeps its shape, and the sauce effectively clings to it. This step sets the stage for a satisfyingly creamy casserole.

Step 4: Assemble and Top It Off

Spray your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray (trust me, it helps with cleanup). Pour in your pasta mixture and smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella all over, then scatter dried parsley for a pop of color and herby freshness. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil before popping it into the oven.

Step 5: Bake Low and Slow, Then Finish Hot

Bake your Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe covered at 300ºF for 45 minutes to let all those flavors meld and the casserole heat evenly. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes so the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden top that’s irresistible to dig into.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your linguine just until al dente because the noodles will continue cooking in the oven, preventing soggy casserole.
Use Unsalted Soups: I always choose unsalted soups so I can adjust the seasoning myself—trust me, it’s worth it to avoid an overly salty bake.
Cover While Baking: Keeping the casserole covered during the initial bake locks in moisture and flavors, ensuring a creamy inside.
Let It Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes so it firms up slightly, making it easier to serve clean slices.

How to Serve Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Chicken Tetrazzini Bake, creamy chicken casserole, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy chicken bake, comfort food casserole - This image shows a close-up of creamy pasta with pieces of cooked chicken on a white dish with a white marbled surface underneath. The dish has a base layer of long, soft spaghetti noodles covered in a thick, creamy white cheese sauce with lightly browned spots on top, indicating it has been baked. Small sprinkles of green herbs are scattered on the sauce. A silver fork lifts a portion of the noodles and chicken, creating a lifted layer above the creamy base. The sauce looks smooth and rich, while the chicken pieces are pale and tender with slight texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this dish, I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Sometimes I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, or a drizzle of truffle oil if I’m feeling fancy. Nothing beats the smell and look of fresh herbs to elevate a comforting casserole.

Side Dishes

Since this bake is rich and filling, I pair it with light, crisp sides like a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus. A crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are also great to scoop up extra sauce, making the meal feel complete and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks or special dinners, I like to bake this dish in individual ramekins to make personal servings look fancy and inviting. You can also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs mixed with herbs on top before baking for an extra crunchy finish that surprises guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I find that letting the casserole cool completely before sealing helps maintain the texture and flavor when reheating.

Freezing

This bake freezes really well, which is a lifesaver on busy days. Just assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil to keep the moisture in, until warmed through—usually about 20 minutes. To restore that fresh-baked cheese top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating. Microwave works in a pinch but can make it a bit soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can poach, grill, or bake your chicken breasts or thighs, then chop them up for the recipe. Just be sure your chicken is fully cooked and cooled before combining it with the sauce to ensure even baking.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup?

You can make your own homemade versions or use a combination of sour cream, chicken broth, and seasonings to create a creamy base. There are plenty of easy recipes online for homemade cream soups if you want to skip the cans.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free sour cream and cheeses, and opt for dairy-free cream soups or homemade substitutes. Check ingredient labels to make sure they meet your dietary needs.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Cooking the pasta al dente and using unsalted soups helps control moisture. Also, avoid adding extra liquid beyond what the recipe calls for, and make sure to bake covered first to thicken the sauce.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Just double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones. Keep an eye on the baking time as larger quantities may need a bit longer to heat through.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe has been a favorite in my home for years because it delivers that winning combo of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy bliss with minimal fuss. I love how it feels like a special occasion dish but comes together in under an hour. Give it a try—you’ll see why it’s such a staple, and I bet it’ll quickly become a go-to comfort food for you and your people. Bon appétit, friend!