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A spoonful of creamy Chicken Tetrazzini with pasta, mushrooms, and a cheesy topping being lifted from a white casserole dish.

Classic Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini

This comforting Classic Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini features tender chicken and spaghetti tossed in a rich, savory mushroom cream sauce, topped with a cheesy breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection. It's a perfect family-friendly meal.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and shredded or diced
  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine cooked al dente according to package directions
  • 1 cup frozen peas thawed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter divided
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more for topping
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg freshly grated preferred
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. (If your chicken isn't already cooked, boil or poach chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred or dice them. This can be done simultaneously with pasta if using two pots).
  3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and mushroom mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux.
  6. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then the heavy cream and milk. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  7. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for another minute until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  8. Add the cooked chicken, drained spaghetti, and thawed frozen peas to the cream sauce in the skillet. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  9. Pour the mixture into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  10. In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the chicken tetrazzini.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
  12. Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

For a quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. You can also add a splash of dry sherry to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.