Name: Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe: Creamy and Cheesy
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 4 cups cooked chicken; 8 oz mushrooms; Onion + garlic; Flour + broth + cream; Sherry + Parmesan + mozzarella; Panko + butter topping

Introduction

Table of Contents

Chicken Tetrazzini is pure retro comfort: tender chicken, spaghetti, and mushrooms in a rich, creamy sherry-infused sauce topped with bubbly cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. Named after an Italian opera singer, but all-American indulgent—this is the casserole that tastes like a hug. Presented family-style in a white ceramic baking dish straight from the oven, optionally garnished with fresh parsley, this Chicken Tetrazzini offers a golden, bubbly top and pure cozy goodness that makes everyone ask for the recipe.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tetrazzini (9×13 dish, serves 8–10): • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie shortcut)
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1½ cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup dry sherry or white wine
• 1 cup grated Parmesan, divided
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Optional: 1 cup frozen peas

For the Crispy Topping: • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

Serving: • Fresh parsley, green salad

Step-by-Step Process

Preheat & prep
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Cook pasta
Cook spaghetti in salted water 2 minutes less than package (very al dente—it finishes in the oven). Drain.
Sauté veggies
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and mushrooms; cook for 6–8 minutes, until golden. Add garlic; cook 1 minute.
Make sauce
Sprinkle flour over veggies; cook 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in broth and sherry. Simmer until thickened (5 minutes). Reduce heat; stir in cream, ¾ cup Parmesan, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Combine
Add chicken, cooked pasta, and peas (if using) to the sauce. Toss gently.
Assemble
Transfer to a baking dish. Top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
Make topping
Mix panko, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle over cheese.
Bake
Bake uncovered 25–35 minutes until bubbly and topping golden. Broil 1–2 minutes for extra crisp (watch closely).
Rest & serve
Rest 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tetrazzini

• Rotisserie chicken—juiciest shortcut
• Undercook pasta—it absorbs sauce in the oven
• Sherry adds signature flavor—don’t skip
• Panko topping—extra crunch
• Make morning-of—bakes perfectly later
• Freeze before baking—thaw and bake

Variations and Customization

• Turkey Tetrazzini: Thanksgiving leftover star
• Veggie: extra mushrooms + spinach
• Spicy: add red pepper flakes
• Light: half-and-half + less cheese
• Crunchy: add slivered almonds to the topping
• Gluten-Free: GF pasta + flour

Storage and Serving Tips

• Tastes better day 2—perfect make-ahead
• Fridge up to 5 days
• Freezes beautifully up to 3 months (bake from frozen +20 min)
• Reheat 350°F covered 20–30 minutes
• Quick refresh: broil 2 minutes for a crunchy top
• Serve with green salad or garlic bread

Nutritional Information

Based on 10 servings:
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Total Fat: 28g (Saturated 15g)
• Carbohydrates: 36g

FAQ

1. No sherry—what can I use?
Dry white wine or extra broth + splash of vinegar.

2. Is my casserole dry?
Add ½ cup more cream or broth next time.

3. Make-ahead?
Yes—assemble morning-of or day before (add topping just before baking).

4. Vegetarian version?
Mushrooms + veg broth + no chicken.

5. Best pasta?
Spaghetti or linguine—long noodles, traditional.

Conclusion

This Chicken Tetrazzini is pure one-dish comfort—creamy, cheesy, with that irresistible crunchy topping that makes it feel like a hug from the oven. One scoop and suddenly busy weeknights feel easy, potlucks feel winning, and everyone’s asking for the recipe while going back for more. Make it once, and it becomes your signature “I’ve got dinner” that earns happy plates and full bellies every time.