Name: Cheesy 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· 4.7 from 74 reviews

If you’re anything like me and crave that perfect comfort food that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to love this Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and pasta baked to bubbly perfection. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become a family favorite you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. Let me walk you through everything you need to know so your bake turns out just right every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Convenience Meets Comfort: Using rotisserie chicken and canned soups cuts prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Perfectly Cheesy: The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan melts into a golden, bubbly topping every time.
Creamy Sauce Balance: The sour cream mixed with soups and broth creates a luscious texture that isn’t too heavy.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a forgiving recipe that’s easy to tweak for any taste or diet requirement.

Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake, Chicken Tetrazzini casserole, cheesy pasta bake, creamy chicken pasta, family comfort food recipes - 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

This Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe brings together simple ingredients that all play a role in creating its irresistible flavors and creamy, cheesy texture. Here’s why each one makes the cut — and a few tips for picking the best versions.

Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake, Chicken Tetrazzini casserole, cheesy pasta bake, creamy chicken pasta, family comfort food recipes - 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: I love linguine for its flat shape which holds onto the creamy sauce better than regular spaghetti.
Rotisserie Chicken: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but leftover chicken works just as well.
Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Unsalted is key so you control the seasoning and avoid an overly salty bake.
Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds earthy richness that balances the chicken and cheese beautifully.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess to the sauce without making it heavy or greasy.
Butter: Melted butter enriches the sauce, lending a silky mouthfeel.
Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth, keeping the bake from drying out.
Salt, Pepper & Garlic Powder: Simple seasonings that elevate all the flavors without overshadowing them.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Its sharp nuttiness amps up the cheesy factor in every bite.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey, stringy goodness that makes this dish so satisfying.
Dried Parsley: Just a pinch for fresh color and a subtle herbal note 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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over the years, I’ve personalized it depending on what’s in my fridge or who I’m cooking for—and you should too! Don’t hesitate to make substitutions or add your favorite flavors.

Variation: I sometimes swap out the canned soups for homemade cream sauces when I have more time—it definitely adds a fresher taste.
Vegetarian Twist: Leave out chicken and add mushrooms or artichokes for a meatless delight that’s just as comforting.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a little heat, which I love on chilli evenings.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check canned soups for gluten-free labels for an easy swap.

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

Step 1: Prep the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your linguine according to the package directions, but don’t overcook it—aim for al dente because it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain well and set aside. When I first made this, I almost cooked the pasta too long and ended up with a mushy bake, so keeping an eye on the pasta texture is crucial.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce Base

In a large bowl, combine your chopped rotisserie chicken with the unsalted cream of chicken and mushroom soups. Stir in the sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The melted butter here really helps that sauce coat the pasta and chicken evenly, making the whole casserole rich and luscious.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now, gently fold the cooked linguine into the creamy chicken mixture. Be sure to coat every strand well without breaking the pasta. This step is all about even coverage so every bite is rich and flavorful. I like to use a spatula to fold rather than stir vigorously to preserve the noodles’ shape.

Step 4: Layer and Top with Cheese

Transfer the whole mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and dried parsley evenly on top. This cheese topping is key for that irresistible golden crust, so don’t skimp. For an extra touch, sometimes I’ll add a little extra Parmesan around the edges to encourage a crispy crust.

Step 5: Bake Low and Slow

Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake at 300ºF for 45 minutes. Baking covered gently warms the casserole and melds all the flavors. Then remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes so the cheese can bubble up and turn beautifully golden brown. Keep an eye during this last stage to avoid burning the topping!

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken for Speed: I find that using a rotisserie chicken not only saves lots of time but also adds a seasoned flavor you just can’t beat.
Control Salt from the Soups: Unsalted canned soups are a game changer because it lets you adjust seasoning exactly to your liking.
Don’t Skip the Baking Covered Step: Covering keeps the bake moist and prevents the cheese from burning while allowing flavors to blend beautifully.
Cool Slightly Before Serving: Let your bake rest about 5 minutes out of the oven so it firms up and is easier to serve neatly.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake, Chicken Tetrazzini casserole, cheesy pasta bake, creamy chicken pasta, family comfort food recipes - 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 love adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving to brighten the look and add a fresh herbal note that complements the cheesy richness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan on top also ups the flavor and presentation without any extra fuss.

Side Dishes

Pair this bake with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also make great sides if you’re craving something to soak up all that saucy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this in individual ramekins topped with extra mozzarella for personal cheesy gold crusts. Another fun idea is baking the tetrazzini in mini cast iron skillets to serve up a rustic, charming portion that your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge, and they usually last 3-4 days. I find that the flavors develop even more overnight, but the pasta may soak up the sauce if left too long, so refreshing with a splash of broth before reheating helps bring it back to life.

Freezing

This bake freezes beautifully! I prepare it up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. You might add 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s slightly frozen inside.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop individual portions in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel or reheat the whole casserole in a 350ºF oven until warmed through and bubbly again. A quick broil at the end revives the cheesy crust nicely if it’s lost some crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of a rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs, then let them cool before adding to the mixture. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and seasoned lightly before combining.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Mozzarella is great for its melt and stretch, while Parmesan adds sharpness and depth. You could also experiment with cheddar or Monterey Jack, but I love the classic combo for this cheesy chicken tetrazzini bake.
Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and be sure to choose cream of chicken and mushroom soups labeled gluten-free or make your own homemade versions.
What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from burning?

Bake covered with foil for the majority of cooking time, then remove the foil to brown the cheese during the last 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning or burning.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini Bake Recipe holds a special place on my dinner table—not only because it’s ridiculously good but because it’s comfort food made simple and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a cozy night in, this dish hits all the right notes. I’m excited for you to try it out and make it your own, just like I have. Once you do, I promise it’ll be your go-to cheesy, creamy chicken pasta bake too!