Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe – Better Than Takeout
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s better than takeout and ready in just 30 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the secret to a perfectly creamy sauce every time. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Blueberry Butter and Crispy Greek Chicken Bowl.
Why This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe – Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy, comforting sauce
- Better than takeout
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Easy to customize
What You'll Need for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe – Better Than Takeout
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb (450g) pasta
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 lb (450g) cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Additional grated Parmesan cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Any shape will work, but penne or fusilli are best.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Stainless Steel Skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect sauces. → See on Amazon
- Box Grater — Easy shredding of cheese and chicken. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe – Better Than Takeout
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make sauce: In a large skillet, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it thicken for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken and cheese: Stir in shredded chicken and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Bake (optional): Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with additional cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe – Better Than Takeout
- : For a richer sauce, use half-and-half or milk instead of some of the chicken broth.
- Common mistake and fix: If your sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- : For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
- : To make ahead, cook the pasta and make the sauce, then combine just before serving. Reheat in the oven if desired.
Storing & Reheating Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe – Better Than Takeout
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe – Better Than Takeout
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
- Best substitution: Use cooked turkey or beef instead of chicken for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead, but the pasta is best cooked fresh.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.
Want to level up this recipe?
Pasta Pot with Strainer — Makes draining pasta a breeze and saves time. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe – Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pasta
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 lb (450g) cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make sauce: In a large skillet, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it thicken for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken and cheese: Stir in shredded chicken and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Bake (optional): Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with additional cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
- Best substitution: Use cooked turkey or beef instead of chicken for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead, but the pasta is best cooked fresh.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Make ahead: The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sat. Fat: 20g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe – Better Than Takeout FAQs
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and combine it with the cooked pasta just before serving.
If your sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Yes, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
No, this recipe is best made on the stovetop and in the oven.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of some of the heavy cream.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe – Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
