Chicken Tetrazzini – A Lightened-Up Comfort Classic

Chicken Tetrazzini is a timeless, creamy pasta bake that’s rich in flavor yet surprisingly light. Tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a velvety mushroom sauce come together in one cozy casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or easy entertaining.

This version keeps all the creamy, cheesy goodness you love, but with smart ingredient swaps that make it a little kinder to your waistline—without sacrificing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy pasta, tender chicken, and savory sauce.
Lightened Up: Same indulgent taste with better-for-you ingredients.
One-Dish Meal: Perfect for busy nights and minimal cleanup.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing classic that even picky eaters love.

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti (or regular)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can (10.5 oz) reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup fat-free Greek yogurt (or light sour cream)
• ½ cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray, for greasing
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Cook Pasta
Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté Veggies
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

4. Make the Sauce
Add cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, Greek yogurt, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and heated through.

5. Combine
Add cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.

6. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

7. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve
Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 27g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using leftover roasted chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken.
• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, peas, or bell peppers for more nutrition.
• Cheese Choice: Swap in part-skim mozzarella or a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Freezer-Friendly: Assemble ahead, freeze, and bake straight from frozen—just add extra cooking time.

Why This Recipe Works

This Chicken Tetrazzini keeps the creamy, cheesy comfort of the original but lightens it with whole wheat pasta, lean chicken, and Greek yogurt. It’s hearty enough for a satisfying dinner but balanced enough to enjoy without the guilt.