Name: Creamy 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· 4.8 from 9 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting dinner that’s both easy and utterly delicious, you absolutely need to try this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I’ve made countless times when I want a warm hug on a plate — packed with tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and that perfect creamy sauce that just melts into the pasta. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to weeknight winner too!

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy yet Light: The mix of sour cream with canned soups creates a silky sauce without being heavy.
Use of Rotisserie Chicken: Saves you tons of prep time while adding perfect flavor and moisture.
Balanced Cheese Combo: Mozzarella melts beautifully for gooey texture, while Parmesan adds a sharp, savory kick.
Easy Weeknight Cleanup: Everything cooks in one dish, reducing your time washing up so you can relax faster.

Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake, easy chicken pasta casserole, cheesy chicken bake, comforting dinner recipes, weeknight chicken 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

The ingredients here come together to offer that classic creamy, cheesy feel you want from a pasta bake, with just enough seasoning to keep things interesting but not overwhelming. When shopping, look for unsalted soups so you can control the salt, and fresh parmesan if you can—it really elevates the flavor.

Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake, easy chicken pasta casserole, cheesy chicken bake, comforting dinner recipes, weeknight chicken 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: Holds sauce well with its flat strands, perfect for soaking up the creamy mixture.
Rotisserie chicken: Saves time and adds that roasted flavor without any extra effort from you.
Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Gives body and chicken flavor with controlled saltiness.
Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds depth and slight earthiness for a more complex sauce.
Sour cream: Brings tanginess and richness, balancing out the smoothness from soups and cheese.
Butter: Adds necessary fat and flavor, helping the sauce feel indulgent.
Chicken broth: Thins the sauce slightly so it’s saucy but not soupy.
Salt & pepper: Essential to elevate other flavors—start modest, then adjust.
Garlic powder: A subtle aromatic punch without the fuss of fresh garlic.
Parmesan cheese: Sharp and salty, it cuts through the creaminess for balance.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into a stretchy, gooey layer that’s irresistible.
Dried parsley: Adds a fresh herb note and a pop of color on top.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I’m all about making recipes my own, and this creamy chicken tetrazzini bake recipe is no exception. I’ve played with a few variations depending on what I have in the fridge or the season, and it’s always a hit. Don’t be shy to customize—it’s forgiving and flexible!

Variation: I sometimes swap out linguine for gluten-free pasta or even spiralized zucchini for a low-carb twist, and it still tastes fantastic.
Adding veggies: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli for extra texture and nutrition—I find it makes the dish feel a little fresher.
Spice it up: If you like a touch of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika works well without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Dairy alternatives: For those avoiding dairy, you can experiment with vegan cream soups and dairy-free cheese substitutes—just expect a bit of a different texture but still delightful flavor.

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

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your linguine according to the package instructions—usually around 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain it well but don’t rinse; you want that bit of starch to help the sauce stick. A tip here: taste the pasta a minute before it’s done because it’ll cook a bit more in the oven, and you definitely don’t want mushy noodles.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce and Chicken

In a large bowl, combine chopped rotisserie chicken with the cream of chicken and mushroom soups, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir it until smooth and creamy. Then fold in the cooked linguine so every strand gets cozy with the sauce. I usually use my hands (clean!) for this step—it makes sure everything blends evenly without breaking the pasta.

Step 3: Assemble Your Bake

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour in your pasta and chicken mixture, smoothing the top a bit. Sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then finish with dried parsley for a touch of color and mild herb flavor. Cover it tightly with foil to keep all the moisture locked in while baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Bake covered at 300ºF for 45 minutes to let all those flavors meld and the cheese melt perfectly. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes so the top browns a little and you get that irresistible bubbly cheese layer. Keep an eye on it after uncovering because cheese can go from golden to burnt fast!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Avoiding Soggy Pasta: Drain the pasta well and don’t rinse before mixing to keep the sauce clinging without becoming watery.
Cheese Topping Trick: Mix mozzarella and Parmesan for a gooey yet flavorful crust—Parmesan adds that salty tang you can’t get with mozzarella alone.
Don’t Skip the Cover: Baking covered keeps the casserole moist; just remove the foil at the end for a golden finish.
Make Ahead Friendly: I often assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake fresh for dinner with minimal effort.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake, easy chicken pasta casserole, cheesy chicken bake, comforting dinner recipes, weeknight chicken 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

I personally love adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top right before serving—it brightens up the creamy richness. Sometimes, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders if you like a little kick. And don’t forget a quick dusting of extra Parmesan for an extra savory pop.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty hearty, so I usually pair it with something light and fresh like a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or simple steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon. Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts are great if you want to amp up the veggies without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or family dinners, I’ve served this creamy chicken tetrazzini bake straight from individual ramekins—that way everyone gets a perfectly portioned, bubbling hot personal casserole. It’s also beautiful layered in a clear glass dish, so you get to see all the cheesy goodness. A quick sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of truffle oil can turn it into a fancy dinner in a flash.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers go straight into an airtight container and keep beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool it a bit before refrigerating, and I find separating into individual portions helps with quick reheating later.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a charm. I usually freeze it unbaked or fully cooked—just cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual. If baking from frozen, add about 15 to 20 minutes to the bake time and keep it covered until fully heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven to maintain that creamy texture and prevent it from drying out—350ºF for about 20 minutes covered works well. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave is fine but add a splash of chicken broth before heating to keep it moist and heat in shorter increments to avoid rubbery cheese.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken for this bake?

Absolutely! You can cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs before mixing. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and tender. Using rotisserie chicken is just a shortcut that adds extra flavor and convenience.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt or cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheeses. Additionally, look for dairy-free cream soups or make homemade versions with non-dairy milks and thickeners.
What pasta works best in a creamy chicken tetrazzini bake recipe?

Traditionally, linguine or spaghetti are common, but penne or fettuccine also work beautifully. The key is pasta with enough surface area to hold onto the sauce without getting mushy.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely — it’s a great meal prep candidate. Assemble everything, cover tightly with foil, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking as instructed. This helps the flavors to meld even more!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe is like a warm, comforting friend in food form. It’s simple enough to pull together quickly but feels special every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, whether it’s for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing gathering. Don’t forget to make it your own, and I promise you’ll have a delicious, creamy feast to savor and share!