Chicken Tetrazzini is the kind of dish that makes you feel cozy and content with every bite. Picture this: tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to each piece. It’s comfort food at its finest, the kind of meal that brings people together. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this dish will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and leave everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, it’s the ultimate comfort dish you didn’t know you needed.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Tetrazzini
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating something heartwarming and delicious that’s easy to pull together. Here’s why Chicken Tetrazzini is a winner:
Versatile: You can use leftover chicken or turkey for a quick weeknight meal, or make it from scratch for a Sunday dinner. It’s also great for using up extra ingredients.
Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients like pasta, chicken, and cream, this recipe won’t break the bank but will feel like a special treat.
Quick and Easy: Once the pasta and chicken are cooked, it’s all about mixing and baking. The oven does most of the work, leaving you with time to relax.
Customizable: You can add mushrooms, peas, or even a little garlic for extra flavor. If you want it even cheesier, sprinkle some extra parmesan on top before baking.
Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is guaranteed to be a hit at dinner parties, family gatherings, or any meal where you want to please a crowd. It’s creamy, comforting, and always delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken Tetrazzini is one of those recipes that brings pantry staples together in the best way possible. Let’s break it down:
Chicken: The star of the show. Tender, juicy chicken pieces are the perfect base for this creamy pasta dish.
Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine works best for this recipe, giving it that perfect balance of soft noodles and creamy sauce.
Creamy Sauce: A mixture of cream, broth, and cheese creates a velvety sauce that coats every noodle and piece of chicken. The combination of butter and flour in the roux gives it a rich texture.
Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan adds that sharp, nutty flavor that balances out the richness of the cream sauce.
Mushrooms (optional): Sautéed mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor and texture, complementing the creamy sauce and chicken.
Garlic: A bit of garlic brings out savory undertones in the sauce.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a touch of thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this cozy, comforting dish:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly and get that golden, bubbly top.
Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water for the sauce in case it needs thinning later.
Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for another minute to create a roux. Slowly add chicken broth and cream, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and thyme (or parsley), then stir in parmesan until melted and smooth.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and any optional mushrooms you want to add. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the right consistency.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle extra parmesan on top for a cheesy, golden crust.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. For an extra crispy topping, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is perfect on its own or served with a simple salad or garlic bread.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: 400-500 calories (Note: this is an estimate based on average ingredients used)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Chicken Tetrazzini
This dish is so satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. Serve it with a side of garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s hard to beat.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. It adds flavor and cuts down on prep time.
- Make It Ahead of Time: Chicken Tetrazzini can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake it.
- For Extra Crunch: Top with breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers before baking for an extra crispy topping.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add peas, spinach, or other vegetables for a boost of color and nutrients.
- Leftovers: This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Simply store in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or oven.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with linguine, fettuccine, or penne if you prefer.
2. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly in this dish.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
4. Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready.
5. Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, but it will need a bit longer in the oven.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese you prefer. Just make sure it melts well.
7. Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
9. How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
10. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
Conclusion
Chicken Tetrazzini is one of those dishes that just feels like home. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and comforting pasta, it’s the kind of recipe that everyone at the table will love. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s a dish that’s easy to put together and absolutely delicious. Enjoy this classic comfort food, and get ready for some serious compliments at the table!
Print
Chicken Tetrazzini
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting pasta dish made with tender chicken, mushrooms, and a rich white sauce. It’s baked to perfection with a golden, cheesy topping that makes it a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and soften.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then add the cooked chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken and sauce, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and breadcrumbs (if using).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker preparation.
- Feel free to add frozen peas or other vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition and color.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg