“Tender chicken and pasta tossed in a velvety cream sauce, topped with cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden with zero hassle.”

Directions and Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot, bring well-salted water to a boil. Add the broken spaghetti and cook until just shy of al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than the package directions.
3. Mix the chicken: While the spaghetti cooks, place the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup and stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
4. Combine spaghetti and chicken: Drain the spaghetti well, shaking off excess water. Add the hot spaghetti to the chicken and soup mixture along with 2 cups of the shredded Parmesan cheese. Gently toss everything together until thoroughly coated.
5. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer and pressing it down gently. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil, tenting it slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is a gorgeous golden brown.
7. Broil for a crispy top: For a deeper golden crust, switch to broil and broil the casserole on the top rack for 1–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
8. Let it rest: Once baked to perfection, let the tetrazzini rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Notes or Tips

• Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as peas or sautéed mushrooms, for extra flavor and nutrition!
• If you prefer a bit more depth of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the chicken mixture.
• This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time if it’s chilled.

Cooking Techniques

Oven baking is one of the easiest ways to prepare a meal that’s both hearty and comforting. The key here is ensuring that your spaghetti is cooked just under al dente. This allows the pasta to absorb the creamy sauce while baking, resulting in a wonderfully cohesive dish. Remember to let the casserole rest after baking; this step enhances its texture and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.