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 25 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to love this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe. It’s got tender chicken, luscious cheeses, and that perfectly creamy sauce that wraps around every bite of linguine. Trust me, once you make it, this recipe will quickly become your go-to weeknight winner or weekend crowd-pleaser.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity: With just a handful of pantry staples and rotisserie chicken, you get a rich and satisfying casserole without fuss.
Creamy & Cheesy Goodness: A blend of cream soups, sour cream, and melty cheeses create the ultimate silky texture and depth of flavor.
Versatility: You can customize it easily, swapping pasta shapes or adjusting seasoning to your taste.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance, freeze or refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready for a stress-free comforting meal.

Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake, Chicken Tetrazzini casserole, cheesy chicken pasta bake, easy chicken casserole, comforting chicken pasta dish - 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

Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor, silky texture, and nostalgic comfort. The rotisserie chicken adds savory depth while the combo of cream soups and sour cream brings that irresistible creamy consistency. And don’t overlook the cheeses — they add great melty richness and a hint of sharpness.

Linguine pasta: Its flat, ribbon-like shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully without getting mushy.
Rotisserie chicken: Super convenient and full of flavor, it makes this dish both easy and satisfying.
Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess without overpowering, and using unsalted helps control the salt level.
Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup: Complements the chicken soup and adds earthy notes that balance the richness.
Sour cream: Boosts tang and adds smooth body to the sauce for a luscious bite.
Melted butter: Helps marry the sauce and pasta for a silky texture.
Chicken broth: Thins out the sauce slightly and layers more chicken flavor.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the ingredients.
Garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic subtle kick without overpowering.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty savoriness that works wonders in the topping.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides melty gooeyness that everyone loves.
Dried parsley: A simple fresh note and pretty garnish to finish the bake.

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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

One of the best things about this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe is how flexible it is — I like to tweak it depending on what I have on hand or my mood. Whether you want to dial up the spice or swap in gluten-free options, you can make this recipe truly your own.

Swap the pasta: I once used whole wheat spaghetti when I was out of linguine, and it worked just fine—just watch the cooking time.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your soups to keep it safe but still yummy.
Add veggies: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas to sneak in some greens — I love this for added texture and color.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce jazzes it up nicely.

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

Step 1: Pasta Prep and Chicken Chop

I start by preheating the oven to 300ºF so it’s ready to go when the casserole is assembled. While that heats up, I boil the linguine pasta according to the package directions—usually just under 10 minutes for that perfect al dente. Drain it well so it’s not soggy. Next, I chop up my rotisserie chicken, making sure to remove any skin or bones, so each bite is easy to eat and packed with tender chicken goodness.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce and Mix

In a large bowl, I whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This blend creates that velvety sauce you’re after! Once it’s smooth, I gently fold in the chopped chicken and cooked pasta, making sure everything gets evenly coated without breaking up the pasta.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

I lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray (to help with cleanup later), then pour the pasta and chicken mixture in. After smoothing it out, I sprinkle the Parmesan, mozzarella, and dried parsley right on top. Covering the dish with foil helps keep the moisture in while baking. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese is perfectly melted.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Unsalted Soups: This really helps control salt levels—you can always add more at the end if needed.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: It’ll bake more in the oven, so cook it just until al dente to avoid mushiness.
Melt Butter First: Melting butter before mixing helps emulsify the sauce for that perfect creamy texture.
Let Casserole Rest: Allow the bake to cool 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets up and slices better.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this dish, I often sprinkle on a bit of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I add a light drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving to up the indulgence — it’s an easy way to make dinner feel special even on a busy night.

Side Dishes

I like to keep the sides simple with something crisp and green—think a classic Caesar salad or steamed broccoli with lemon zest. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also pairs beautifully, perfect for mopping up any extra creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m making this for a special occasion, I sometimes portion it into individual ramekins and top with a little extra cheese and herbs for a cute personal touch. Another fun idea is layering with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes before topping with cheese to elevate both flavor and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the fresh bake, I usually pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It reheats really well and still tastes quite close to freshly baked if you warm it gently.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing the entire unbaked casserole. Just assemble it, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual—add a little extra bake time if it’s still partially frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop individual portions in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in, heating in 1-minute bursts until warmed through. For a crispier top, a quick 5–7 minute bake at 350ºF does wonders after microwaving.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe without cream of mushroom soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute cream of chicken soup for both cans if you prefer, or make your own homemade cream of mushroom soup using mushroom broth and a simple roux. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious and creamy.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! This bake freezes really well when assembled but not baked. Just cover tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Can I use homemade pasta instead of linguine?

Definitely! Homemade pasta adds a wonderful fresh texture. Just make sure you don’t overcook it since it can get soft quickly. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?

Leftover roasted or poached chicken works great, or even cooked turkey. Just shred or chop it finely to blend well into the pasta and sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s everything I want in a comfort food—rich, cheesy, and full of good, wholesome ingredients. I hope you enjoy making it in your kitchen as much as I do, sharing laughs and leftovers with family or friends. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and watch it become a household favorite!