My mother in law passed down this 4 ingredient comfort food and it is ridiculously good.

1 2 minutes read

This Old-Fashioned Chicken Tetrazzini is a warm, comforting baked pasta dish made with tender chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, vegetables, Parmesan, and a crisp golden topping.

The reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and coat the noodles evenly, giving the casserole a creamy texture without making it feel too heavy. It’s an easy family dinner and also works well for potlucks or make-ahead meals.

Old-Fashioned Chicken Tetrazzini

Ingredients

8 ounces spaghetti or linguine, broken in half
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 can low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, 10 1/2 ounces
1 cup frozen peas and/or sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
Up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Directions

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just al dente.

Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Prepare the sauce

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.

3. Combine the filling

Add the drained pasta, shredded chicken, and frozen peas or mushrooms to the sauce.

Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated.

If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more pasta water as needed.

4. Assemble the casserole

Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the top.

Finish with the panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers.

5. Bake

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden and crisp.

6. Rest and serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

This gives the sauce time to thicken slightly and makes the casserole easier to scoop.

Creamy, savory, and topped with a crisp golden crust, this classic chicken tetrazzini is an easy comfort-food dinner that feels right at home on any family table.

1 2 minutes read