Quick and Easy Tetrazzini Recipe? Yes, Please!

Every host needs a recipe in their back pocket that’s easy to throw together, endlessly customizable to guests' preferences, and a lifesaver when prepping ahead. This easy tetrazzini recipe is oven-ready in 15 minutes and tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge. A fridge- and freezer-friendly casserole is ideal for planning ahead without sacrificing the flavor and texture of a fresh meal. When you’re ready to serve, just slip it in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly.

The real struggle is to keep it hot and bubbly while you prep the rest of your meal and wait for guests to get their plates. With our Host Modern serving dish, you can put your casserole into the insulated carrier straight from the oven and keep your spread steaming and picture-worthy.

What is tetrazzini? A classic comfort food with a twist

Tetrazzini is a creamy pasta dish with a savory, cheesy sauce, often made with chicken or turkey. This recipe is a quick and simple way to make a comforting, satisfying meal that can both elevate your dinner party and please picky eaters. Tetrazzini is easily tailored to suit any taste or dietary preference. For a vegetarian twist, skip the meat and add more veggies. Add a toss of cayenne pepper and pepperjack cheese for a bolder flavor, or some capers or green olives for a sprinkle of salty contrast. We love a stress-free and versatile meal!

As you’re meal planning this week, keep in mind that tetrazzini is a perfect make-ahead casserole–this is a dishyou can always count on when you want your leftovers to look and taste as delicious as when it came out of the oven.

Why you’ll love this tetrazzini

Simple and delicious tetrazzini isn’t just a new recipe to add to your culinary repetoire–it’s a load off your mind and a meal to look forward at any time of day. It's a huge relief when meals aren't just done, but actually enjoyed. Here’s why you’ll love this tetrazzini:

The comforting combination: how can you go wrong with tender pasta, savory chicken, silky sauce, and melting cheese?
The worry-free versatility: this dish easily becomes a favorite of kids and adults alike, so you’ll have no concerns about empty plates.
The effortless customizability: this recipe is a breeze to customize with ingredient substitutions and flavor combos. Feel free to call it your own secret recipe– we won’t tell.
The flexible scheduling: enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a dish that can be prepped early, freeing up your time when you need it most.

How to make quick and easy tetrazzini

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti, linguine, or pretty much any other pasta
3 cups cooked chicken or turkey, shredded
4 tbsp melted butter (2 tbsp if not using breadcrumbs)

1 (10 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (10 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (8 oz.) container sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
3/4 cup chicken broth or milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings:

1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp paprika

½ cup frozen peas (optional)
½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain, toss with 2 tbsp butter, and set aside. Al dente will keep the pasta from overcooking when it bakes.

Step 2: Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the soups, sour cream, chicken broth, cheese, seasonings, and optional veggies. Toss in the chicken & pasta and mix well.

Step 3: Bake

Pour mixture into a greased 9x13” dish, mix breadcrumbs with remaining butter, and sprinkle on top (optional). Bake covered for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbling and slightly toasted. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 4: Transfer to an insulated carrier

If you’re heading to an event, you’ll want to keep this casserole hot and steamy in an insulated carrier. Host Modern’s insulated casserole dish will keep your cheesy tetrazzini intact and piping HOT until it’s ready to be served wherever you are. If you’re bringing a couple of the hot or cold sides mentioned below, you can pack all three in our insulated carrier bag for an easy and elegant arrival.

Learn more: How to Keep Food Hot When Transporting →

What Do I Serve With Tetrazzini?

Because this pasta dish is so rich and creamy, the best complements are light, fresh, or crunchy. Below are some of our favorite sides and drinks for tetrazzini:

Sides

Garlic bread: Crunchy and buttery, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Soft dinner rolls: A pillowy bite to go with the creamy pasta.
Lemon arugula salad: Peppery and tangy for a fresh contrast.
Honey roasted carrots: Especially great if you add a little spice to the tetrazzini.
Garlic parmesan roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans: Adds a crispy, savory contrast.

Drinks

Sparkling lemonade: Refreshing and citrusy.

Lemon basil iced tea: Light and herbal.
Sparkling cranberry spritzer: Tart and fizzy.
White wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creaminess.

6 ways to customize your perfect tetrazzini

A great dish made your way can only get better. When you're looking for an unexpected twist, a boost of flavor, or an accommodation for food preferences, this dish saves the day.

Make it creamier

It’s go time for dairy! Sometimes you need an extra creamy boost for your dish to hit the spot. To make every bite a little smoother and richer, just follow these tips:

Add an extra ¼ cup sour cream for extra richness.
Stir in 4 oz cream cheese (softened) into the sauce until melted and smooth.
Use freshly grated cheeses for a perfect melted texture
Avoid overboiling your pasta so you don’t miss out on the full effect of the sauce

Make it cheesier

Especially when served with fresh and crunchy sides, a hot dish with stretchy, steamy cheese in every serving is a welcome comfort food. Cheese can be a hidden superpower–the right amount and flavors can take this dish from a satisfying meal to the favorite flavor of the night. Here are our tips to make tetrazzini even cheesier:

Simply add more: Sprinkle an extra half cup of cheese into your mixture for an effortless cheesy boost.
Make cheese the topping: Pull out a golden and bubbly dish by sprinkling the casserole with shredded cheese instead of the breadcrumb topping.
Combine sophisticated flavors: Our favorite cheese combo is havarti and gouda–the perfect stretchy-melty cheese combined with the powerful flavor of gouda.
Look for variety: Other delicious melty cheeses to pick from are Swiss, fontina, Monterey Jack, Muenster, and provolone.

Make it vegetarian

Need a veggie alternative for the night? Substitute the chicken or turkey with any vegetables or plant-based protein for a meatless option. Some inspiration:

Mushrooms add a subtle earthy flavor
Peas are a pop of sweet and fresh
Chopped broccoli offer a familiar, mild texture
Plant-based substitutions like seitan or tofurkey provides a meat-free protein boost

Make it ahead

Prepare the casserole the day before, refrigerate, and bake just before serving or bringing to an event. You can also freeze this dish for up to two months if you want to have a wild card ready for any meal. Just transfer it into a freezer-safe dish and cover with foil.

Pro tip: write the baking instructions on the foil cover so it’s an easy transfer to the oven, and add about 25 minutes to the bake time if you bake it frozen.

Learn more: How to Keep Food Warm at a Party →

Make it spicy

Cater to guests with bolder tastes by giving your tetrazzini a kick! The satisfying creamy base of this dish offers the perfect opportunity to mix in some delightfully spicy flavors. These tips will help you:

Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a fiery taste
Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for some subtle heat
Add a fresh chopped jalapeno into the mixture for both a pop of heat and some extra texture
Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or sriracha) to add a fun & tingling flavor

Make it your own

If you want to try your hand at a homemade sauce, substitute step 2 of our tetrazzini recipe for this yummy sauce.

Sauce Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup sour cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:

1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp paprika

In a large pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion and sauté until soft (2-3 mins).
Stir in garlic and mushrooms; cook for 5 more minutes.
Sprinkle flour over and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in sour cream, Parmesan, and seasonings. Simmer until thickened.

Take it on the road with confidence

If you’re bringing this recipe on the road, you’ll want a winning way to make sure it makes everyone’s mouths water at the event! Traditional serveware can cause a serious mess in the back of your vehicle, and foil can only go so far to keep your food as fresh as when you packed it. If you have multiple dishes, there’s limited space to pack them - and space in an oven or microwave usually comes at a premium at most gatherings. You want to serve this dish in a way that capitalizes on its strengths: it’s hot, cheesy, smooth, and melts in your mouth.

For a steamy, cheesy entrance, bake your tetrazzini in our serveware and slip it into our stylish insulated carrier. When you take off the shatterproof cover, the steam will still be steaming and the cheese will still be cheesing, just like when you took it out of the oven at home. No more flexible foil pans and soggy, cooling meals!

Shop Host Modern Thermal Serving Dish →

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