Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake with Mushrooms

When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic favorite that never disappoints. With tender chicken, mushrooms, and creamy sauce, this dish checks all the boxes for a delicious family dinner or a special occasion meal. Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake with Mushrooms brings the ultimate comfort in the form of a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish baked to perfection. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of satisfying textures, making it an irresistible choice for pasta lovers.

In this post, I will take you through the steps to make this delicious pasta bake, with tips and variations to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something more indulgent, this recipe is sure to impress!

What Is Chicken Tetrazzini?

Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic American casserole that typically features pasta, chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce. It’s often baked with a cheesy topping, giving it a wonderful golden-brown crust. The name “Tetrazzini” is thought to be named after the famous Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini, though its origins are widely debated.

The beauty of Chicken Tetrazzini lies in its versatility—you can adjust the ingredients, sauce, and spices according to your preferences. While the traditional recipe uses a creamy white sauce, this version enhances the dish with the added richness of mushrooms, herbs, and a perfectly baked golden crust on top.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake with Mushrooms

This recipe is simple, but packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pasta Bake:

1 pound (450g) linguine or spaghetti: You can use any long pasta shape you prefer, but linguine or spaghetti works best for this creamy dish.

2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces (or use leftover rotisserie chicken).

1/2 cup (80g) mushrooms: Sliced. You can use white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms for more depth of flavor.

1 medium onion: Chopped.

3 cloves garlic: Minced.

1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth: For extra flavor and moisture in the sauce.

1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream: The base for a rich, creamy sauce.

1 cup (240ml) milk: To balance the richness of the cream.

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese: For a savory, cheesy element.

1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese: For a creamy, melty texture.

Salt and pepper: To taste.

1 teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that pairs wonderfully with chicken and mushrooms.

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a woodsy, aromatic flavor.

1/4 cup (60g) butter: For creating the creamy sauce.

For the Topping:

1/2 cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs: For a crispy, crunchy topping.

2 tablespoons melted butter: To mix with the breadcrumbs for a golden crust.

Extra Parmesan cheese: For a more indulgent cheesy topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this creamy chicken tetrazzini pasta bake.

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure not to overcook it, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven during baking.

2. Prepare the Chicken and Mushrooms:

In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add the mushrooms and onion. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, until the mushrooms release their moisture and the onions become soft. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

To create the rich, creamy sauce, melt butter in the same pan with the sautéed mushrooms and onions. Once the butter has melted, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Next, add the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, thyme, rosemary, and season with salt and pepper. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken:

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan with the sauce, stirring gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary.

5. Assemble the Pasta Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

6. Prepare the Topping:

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Spread this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta to create a crispy, golden crust when baked.

7. Bake the Pasta:

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. For an extra crispy top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.

8. Garnish and Serve:

Once out of the oven, garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness and color. Serve immediately, and enjoy the creamy goodness!

Why This Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake is a Winner

Rich and Creamy: The use of both heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully, while the addition of melted mozzarella adds creaminess and texture.

Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Mushrooms: Tender pieces of chicken and sautéed mushrooms absorb the flavors of the sauce and add depth to the dish.

Crispy Topping: The panko breadcrumb topping provides the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta underneath, making each bite exciting.

Versatile: You can customize the recipe with vegetables like spinach or peas, or use different types of pasta to suit your preference.

Great for Leftovers: This dish holds up well for leftovers, and reheating it only enhances the flavors!

Tips for the Best Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken Alternatives: If you don’t have fresh chicken breasts, you can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Shred the chicken and stir it into the sauce with the pasta for a super easy dinner.

Use Homemade Broth: For an extra depth of flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. It will elevate the overall taste of the dish.

Make Ahead: This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Cheese Varieties: For an even richer flavor, swap out the mozzarella for Gruyère cheese or fontina.

Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or peas to make this a hearty vegetarian meal.

Variations and Customization

While this Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways you can switch things up:

Add Bacon or Pancetta: For a smoky, savory twist, add crispy bacon or pancetta to the pasta bake. It pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce and adds a touch of indulgence.

Use Different Meat: Swap out the chicken for turkey, shrimp, or even ground beef for a different flavor profile.

Vegetarian Tetrazzini: Keep the creamy sauce and pasta, but make it vegetarian by adding mushrooms, spinach, or even artichokes as the main fillings. The cheese and cream sauce will keep it rich and flavorful.

Use Different Pasta Shapes: While linguine is great for this recipe, feel free to use penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni for a different twist. Just make sure the pasta is sturdy enough to hold up to the creamy sauce.

Conclusion: A Dish to Remember

This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake with Mushrooms is the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and crispy topping make this dish a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner with family, this pasta bake is sure to be a hit.

Give it a try the next time you want to make something indulgent yet easy to prepare, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!

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