Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting pasta casserole dish that combines tender shredded chicken, spaghetti, and a rich, velvety sauce made with cream, cheese, and flavorful seasonings. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping, this classic recipe is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s an easy and satisfying one-pan meal that’s sure to become a household favorite!
What is Chicken Tetrazzini?
Chicken Tetrazzini is a baked pasta dish, believed to be named after the Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini. Despite its Italian-inspired name, it’s a quintessentially American creation. The dish typically features:
- Shredded or diced chicken (rotisserie chicken works wonderfully).
- Pasta, often spaghetti or linguine.
- Creamy sauce made with butter, flour, broth, and cream.
- Cheese like Parmesan and sometimes mozzarella or cheddar.
- Seasonings including garlic, onion, and sometimes nutmeg.
- Toppings such as breadcrumbs or additional cheese for a crispy, golden crust.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Tetrazzini
- Prevent Overcooking: Cook pasta slightly underdone before baking to avoid mushy results.
- Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan for Gruyère or Asiago for a flavor twist.
- Enhance the Sauce: A splash of white wine in the sauce adds depth.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Turkey Tetrazzini: Substitute chicken with leftover turkey for a post-Thanksgiving twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add a medley of vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers.
- Seafood Tetrazzini: Replace chicken with shrimp or crab for a coastal flair.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Tetrazzini
This dish is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed Veggies: Lightly steamed asparagus or green beans complement the casserole.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked Tetrazzini for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use canned soup in the sauce?
Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup can be used as a shortcut, but making your own sauce ensures the best flavor.
What’s the best pasta for Tetrazzini?
While spaghetti is classic, feel free to use fettuccine, linguine, or any pasta you have on hand.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Is Chicken Tetrazzini kid-friendly?
Kids often love this dish due to its creamy texture and mild flavors. For picky eaters, you can omit mushrooms or vegetables.
Chicken Tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting pasta casserole dish that combines tender shredded chicken, spaghetti, and a rich, velvety sauce made with cream, cheese, and flavorful seasonings
Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 lb cooked, seasoned chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb thin spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the soups, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Stir in the peas, cooked chicken, and spaghetti until everything is well-coated.
- Pour the mixture into your baking dish and sprinkle with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes, then top with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 589Total Fat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 1023mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 27g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Tetrazzini is more than a meal—it’s a warm embrace on a plate. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and golden topping, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy the comfort of Chicken Tetrazzini!
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