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, chopped); 1 lb button mushrooms, thickly sliced; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 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 black pepper, freshly ground; 1/4 cup parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

If you’ve ever craved that comforting, creamy pasta bake that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re in for a treat. This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe is exactly that—rich, cheesy, and satisfying without being complicated. It’s the kind of dish I turn to when I want something that pleases the whole family but still feels a little special. Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken to save time or cooking your own, this bake comes together in a way that makes weeknight dinners feel like a celebration.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Comfort Food: Uses simple ingredients like rotisserie chicken and pantry staples for a quick, hearty meal.
Rich and Creamy Sauce: The velvety blend of half & half, chicken broth, and butter creates the perfect cozy texture.
Family Favorite: Every time I serve this, my family goes crazy for the cheesy topping and savory flavors.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It freezes well and can be prepped in advance, making busy nights a breeze.

This dish shows a close-up view of a baked pasta casserole in a white ceramic dish. The casserole consists of creamy spaghetti mixed with pieces of light brown cooked meat and sliced mushrooms spread throughout. The top layer is covered with a smooth, melted white cheese sauce sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. A spoon is scooping some of the creamy pasta from the dish, showing the mixed layers of noodles, meat, and mushrooms inside. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake, chicken tetrazzini bake, creamy pasta casserole, easy chicken baked pasta, comfort food recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe. When shopping, I recommend fresh mushrooms and quality half & half for the creamiest sauce. You can also swap pasta shapes based on what you have—the classic linguine works wonderfully here.

Flat lay of fresh linguine pasta nest, shredded rotisserie chicken chunks, thickly sliced white button mushrooms, finely chopped medium onion mound, four peeled garlic cloves, two tablespoons golden olive oil in a small white ceramic bowl, four tablespoons unsalted butter cubes on a white plate, small white bowl of all-purpose flour powder, small white bowl of clear low-sodium chicken broth, small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, small white bowl holding creamy half and half, small white bowl of coarse sea salt crystals, small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, small white bowl of chopped bright green parsley, small white bowl heaped with shredded white mozzarella cheese, whole uncracked brown eggs arranged symmetrically, all ingredients 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 awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake, chicken tetrazzini bake, creamy pasta casserole, easy chicken baked pasta, comfort food recipes

Linguine: I like it for its long strands that hold onto the sauce, but spaghetti is a great swap if you prefer.
Rotisserie chicken: A fantastic time saver, shredded chicken adds tenderness without extra fuss.
Olive oil: Use extra virgin for better flavor when sautéing your mushrooms and onions.
Button mushrooms: Thickly sliced for a meaty texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
Onion: Finely chopped so it melts into the sauce and adds subtle sweetness.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for a fragrant punch — garlic powder won’t do here!
Unsalted butter: The base for the roux that makes this sauce incredibly creamy.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to just the right consistency.
Chicken broth: Low sodium keeps the saltiness balanced.
Lemon juice: A little acidity brightens up the rich sauce beautifully.
Half & half: For that luscious creamy finish without being too heavy.
Sea salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to make all the flavors pop.
Parsley: Fresh chopped adds a burst of color and freshness.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into a bubbly, golden topping that’s irresistible.

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 that this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe is so versatile—you can easily tweak it based on what you have or dietary preferences. I often switch up the mushrooms or toss in some spinach for extra veggie power, and it never disappoints.

Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for sautéed extra mushrooms and add a touch more cheese for depth—my friends love this twist.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and pasta, which works wonderfully without sacrificing creaminess.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce for a little kick that wakes up your taste buds.
With Different Cheese: Try Monterey Jack or a sharp cheddar blend to customize the melty topping.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Step 1: Get the Pasta Perfectly Al Dente

This step is key because slightly undercooked pasta will finish cooking in the oven without getting mushy. I always salt my pasta water generously — it should taste like the ocean! Cook your linguine or spaghetti just until it’s barely al dente, then reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water can come in handy later if your sauce needs loosening up.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies to Deepen Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then toss in your sliced mushrooms. Watching them soften and brown slightly for about 3 minutes brings out that umami goodness. Next, add the chopped onion and let it get soft and golden—it usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Lastly, stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about a minute. This step really builds the flavor base for the dish, so don’t rush it! Transfer this mixture to a plate with the shredded chicken ready for the next step.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

Using the same pot you cooked pasta in, melt your butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, cooking it for about 1 1/2 minutes until it lightly browns—this is called making a roux and it’s the magic that thickens your sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice while whisking to keep everything smooth. Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Then, stir in the half & half and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if needed—the lemon juice brings a nice brightness that balances the richness.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Bake

Now, back into the sauce pot goes the reserved pasta, chicken, mushroom mixture, and minced parsley—everything gets folded together until it’s evenly coated. If the sauce looks too thick, stir in some of that reserved pasta water—it’s a lifesaver for a smooth, creamy texture. Transfer the whole delicious mixture to your buttered casserole dish and cover it with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake at 350˚F for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes so the cheese bubbles and browns just right. If you want to get a golden crust, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end—but watch it closely!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Leaving the pasta slightly undercooked ensures it won’t turn mushy after baking.
Use Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy water helps loosen the sauce and binds everything together beautifully.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Fresh garlic, parsley, and lemon juice brighten the sauce and elevate the whole dish.
Watch the Broil: Broil only at the end for a minute or two to avoid burning your perfectly baked cheese topping.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

A white bowl holds creamy pasta with three main layers: at the bottom are light brown mushroom pieces coated in sauce, on top are thick, pale yellow spaghetti noodles mixed with tender white chicken pieces, all covered in a smooth, light cream sauce. Small green parsley bits are scattered on top, adding a touch of color. A silver fork rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake, chicken tetrazzini bake, creamy pasta casserole, easy chicken baked pasta, comfort food recipes

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a bit of extra fresh parsley right before serving—it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I also add a little grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy finish. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on individual plates brightens it up beautifully, especially if you’re serving this during a cozy family dinner.

Side Dishes

This bake is quite hearty, so I usually pair it with something light like a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette. Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans with garlic are some of my go-to sides that add a nice crunch and freshness. If you want to go full comfort mode, buttery dinner rolls work wonderfully for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked individual servings in small ramekins—that way everyone gets their own bubbling cheese crust. It’s cute and makes the meal feel extra festive. Another fun idea is adding a colorful topping of sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes before the cheese bakes, which brings visual interest and a flavor boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I revisit the dish, I find it’s just as tasty—sometimes even better as the flavors meld overnight. Just cover it well so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe freezes really well, which is a lifesaver for busy weeks. I like to assemble the casserole but skip the cheese topping before freezing. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, add the cheese, and bake as instructed. This way, your bake tastes freshly made with that melty cheese on top.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top, cover with foil, and warm it in the oven at 350˚F until heated through—usually 15-20 minutes. This helps keep it creamy and prevents the pasta from drying out. Microwave works too, but I prefer oven reheating for the texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Chicken Tetrazzini?

Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti are classic choices, you can swap in penne, fettuccine, or even elbow macaroni. Just adjust cooking time accordingly and ensure the pasta is al dente before baking.
What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?

No worries! You can cook and dice about 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs. Sear them in a pan or bake in the oven, then shred or chop once cooled. It adds a fresh home-cooked touch!
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or oil, use a plant-based milk like oat or almond in place of half & half, and choose a dairy-free cheese alternative. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the entire casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for busy days when you want dinner ready to go!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it’s equal parts simple and impressive. The rich, cheesy sauce and tender chicken make it a crowd-pleaser every single time, and I love how easy it is to adapt based on what’s in my fridge. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a cozy solo dinner, you’ll enjoy how this casserole feels like a little bit of homemade happiness in every bite. Give it a try—I’m pretty sure it’ll become your go-to comfort food too!