Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Soup – Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful

If you love creamy pasta dishes and cozy soups, this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Soup brings the best of both worlds to your table. Loaded with tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and pasta in a rich, velvety broth, it’s pure comfort food that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this one-pot recipe will become your go-to comfort classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and comforting: A silky, rich broth made with milk and cheese gives this soup its irresistible texture.
• Perfect for leftovers: Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to make this dish even faster.
• One-pot convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot for easy prep and cleanup.
• Family-friendly flavor: Mild, creamy, and hearty — everyone at the table will love it.
• Cold-weather favorite: A warm, filling meal ideal for chilly evenings or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine, broken into halves
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add flour: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw taste. This step helps thicken the soup later.
3. Add broth and pasta: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking to combine. Add the broken pasta and bring to a simmer. Cook until pasta is tender, about 8–10 minutes.
4. Add chicken and cream: Stir in the cooked chicken, milk, and heavy cream. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until everything is hot and creamy.
5. Finish with cheese: Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or garlic toast.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover turkey: Swap chicken for leftover Thanksgiving turkey for a festive twist.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half of the cream with extra broth or low-fat milk.
• Add veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or corn for extra color and nutrients.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and omit the flour (thicken with cornstarch if needed).
• Extra creamy version: Add a small handful of mozzarella cheese when you stir in the Parmesan for a stretchy, cheesy finish.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing. Freeze in individual containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to maintain the creamy texture.
• Meal prep tip: Cook pasta separately if planning to store, it prevents over-softening in the broth.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This creamy soup pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides that balance the richness. Try it with:

• Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty artisan rolls
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts
• A refreshing iced tea or sparkling lemonade for contrast

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and cuts down cooking time. Just shred it and add it in step 4 when you stir in the milk and cream.

What kind of pasta works best for Chicken Tetrazzini Soup?

Traditional tetrazzini uses spaghetti or fettuccine, but any medium pasta (like penne, rotini, or egg noodles) works. Choose one that holds up well in soup without getting too soft.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Replace milk and cream with unsweetened oat milk or coconut milk, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The flavor will still be rich and delicious.

Why did my soup thicken too much after cooling?

As the soup cools, the pasta absorbs liquid, making it thicker. Add a splash of warm broth or milk when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.

Ready to Make It?

Now that you’ve got all the details, it’s time to cozy up with a bowl of this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Soup. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying leftovers the next day, this dish is sure to become a comforting favorite in your kitchen.

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