Overnight Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
If you are craving a comforting, creamy casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Overnight Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dish. It’s incredibly simple to prepare yet packed with so much rich flavor and cozy texture, thanks to tender chicken, savory soups, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni all baked together to golden, bubbly perfection. The magic of making it overnight means you wake up to a ready-to-bake dinner that tastes like you slaved over it, making busy evenings a breeze without sacrificing any deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures to create a truly satisfying dish. From creamy soups that add richness to the tender chunks of chicken and pasta that soak it all up, these ingredients come together effortlessly.
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken: Using a whole rotisserie chicken makes this step easy and adds juicy, flavorful meat.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides creamy body without too much salt, letting you control seasoning.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a subtle earthiness and extra creaminess to the sauce.
- 1¼ cup milk: Helps thin the sauce just enough for a smooth, luscious texture.
- 1¼ cup chicken broth: Boosts the savory flavor and keeps everything moist during baking.
- ½ tsp onion powder: A gentle hint of onion flavor that enhances overall taste.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: Adds a savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 8-oz elbow macaroni (uncooked): Classic pasta choice that holds saucy goodness perfectly and becomes tender after baking.
- 1 cup grated parmesan: Sprinkled on top to create a golden, crispy, flavor-packed crust.
How to Make Overnight Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by generously spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and help your casserole release easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, chicken broth, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated, creating a creamy base that’s full of cozy flavors.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni into the mixture, making sure all the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce. This step is crucial because the pasta will cook overnight soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight
Pour the entire pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator to chill overnight. This allows the pasta to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully while you enjoy a hassle-free morning or day.
Step 5: Get Ready to Bake
When you’re ready to cook, remove the casserole from the fridge and take off the cover. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s nice and hot when your dish goes in.
Step 6: Add Parmesan and Bake
Sprinkle the grated parmesan evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, bake it uncovered for 1 hour. This step caramelizes the cheese to a golden crisp and cooks the pasta fully, making your chicken tetrazzini bubbly, gooey, and irresistibly delicious.
How to Serve Overnight Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and vibrant touch to this creamy casserole, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick if you love a hint of spice, balancing the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, such as mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette, to cut through its creamy richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus offer a healthy, colorful side and add nice texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at a dinner party, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a sprinkle of parmesan and broiled briefly to get a crisp crust. Alternatively, ladle the casserole over a bed of fluffy rice or serve alongside garlic bread for a cozy meal that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days and maintain their creamy texture with just a quick reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked casserole right after mixing and assembling it. Wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. Cover with foil during reheating to prevent the top from drying out, then uncover the last few minutes to crisp up the cheese if desired.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
Absolutely! You can sauté fresh mushrooms and incorporate them into your mixture, but keep in mind you’ll need to add a bit more cream or broth to maintain the creamy texture that the soup helps create.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta variety, and double-check that your cream soups are gluten-free or substitute them with homemade cream sauces.
Can I use a different type of cheese on top?
Definitely! While parmesan gives that perfect savory crust, shredded mozzarella or a sharp cheddar can be delicious alternatives that bring their own unique flavor and melting quality.
How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?
The casserole can comfortably chill overnight, up to 24 hours. Beyond that, the pasta might become too soft and alter the texture when baked.
Do I need to cook the pasta before mixing it in?
Nope! This recipe is designed with uncooked elbow macaroni so it cooks fully during baking, soaking up all the wonderful flavors from the sauce for a tastier, more perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Overnight Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe enough if you want to impress your family or friends with minimal effort and maximum comfort. It’s truly one of those meals that feels special but is so easy to prepare ahead of time. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat for every cozy night in!
Print
Overnight Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus overnight refrigeration
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Overnight Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting and creamy casserole dish featuring tender chicken, elbow macaroni, and a rich sauce made with cream of chicken and mushroom soups. This recipe combines convenience and flavor as the pasta and sauce marinate overnight, making it an easy-to-prepare meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Soup Mixture
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken (whole rotisserie chicken)
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1¼ cup milk
- 1¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Pasta and Toppings
- 8-oz elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, chicken broth, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to blend all ingredients uniformly. Then fold in the uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce mixture.
- Refrigerate overnight: Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking pan. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and for the pasta to absorb the liquid.
- Prepare to bake: The next day, take the casserole out of the refrigerator and remove the cover. Let it sit briefly at room temperature while you preheat the oven.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a flavorful crust as the dish bakes.
- Bake the casserole: Place the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, or until the pasta is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- Make sure to refrigerate the casserole covered overnight to avoid drying out.
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like penne or shells.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or peas for extra vegetable nutrients and flavor.
- This recipe is best consumed within 2 days of baking for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
