Crock Pot Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, savory, and utterly comforting casserole dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, mushrooms, and a velvety sauce—all cooked slowly to perfection in your slow cooker.
What Makes Crock Pot Chicken Tetrazzini So Special?
This dish brings all the classic ingredients of Chicken Tetrazzini together in a way that’s both effortless and satisfying. By using a slow cooker, the flavors meld together, creating a rich and hearty dish that everyone will love. With the perfect balance of creaminess and savory depth, Crock Pot Chicken Tetrazzini offers the comfort of traditional casseroles without the need for constant attention.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the following ingredients to make your Crock Pot Chicken Tetrazzini:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Skinless, boneless chicken is ideal for this dish. The slow cooking process will keep the chicken moist and tender.
- Egg Noodles or Spaghetti: Classic Tetrazzini is made with egg noodles, but you can substitute with spaghetti or any other pasta shape you prefer.
- Mushrooms: Fresh white mushrooms add an earthy flavor and texture that complements the creamy sauce.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the base for the creamy sauce that ties everything together.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
- Shredded Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese: For the cheesy, gooey goodness that makes Tetrazzini so irresistible.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, and Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing the flavors.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the mushrooms before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Optional: Frozen peas or cooked spinach for added texture and a pop of color.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Tetrazzini
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. If you’re using chicken thighs, the extra fat will give the dish a richer flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the Crock Pot towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming too soft or mushy.
- Make It Lighter: Use low-fat or fat-free cream of chicken soup and swap the heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce to make a healthier variation of the dish.
- Flavor Boosters: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or stir in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an aromatic kick.
- Add Veggies: You can easily add more vegetables like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or zucchini to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
Variations of Crock Pot Chicken Tetrazzini
While the classic version is delicious on its own, you can mix it up by trying some variations:
- Mushroom-Free Version: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, simply skip them or substitute with something else like bell peppers or spinach.
- Spicy Chicken Tetrazzini: Add chopped green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a bit of heat.
- Swap the Meat: Use turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re looking for a different protein.
- Cheese Variations: While mozzarella and Parmesan are the classic choices, try adding provolone, cheddar, or Gouda for a different cheesy twist.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Tetrazzini
Crock Pot Chicken Tetrazzini is a one-pot meal that doesn’t need much else, but there are a few ways to elevate the meal:
- Serve with a Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the Tetrazzini and provides a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic Bread: No meal is complete without some warm, buttery garlic bread to mop up all the creamy sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans works well to balance out the richness of the casserole.
How to Store Crock Pot Chicken Tetrazzini
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Transfer the cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, and it will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through, adding extra cheese on top if you wish.
- Reheating: If you have leftovers, simply microwave them or heat them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in the Crock Pot. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I make this recipe without a Crock Pot?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this dish in the oven. Simply follow the steps up until adding the pasta, then bake in a 350°F oven for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbly.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
To avoid overcooked pasta, cook it separately and stir it into the Crock Pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Crock Pot Chicken Tetrazzini
Crock Pot Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, savory, and utterly comforting casserole dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, mushrooms, and a velvety sauce—all cooked slowly to perfection in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (can use 1-2 lbs)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp dried tarragon (or oregano)
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese (⅓ less fat or regular)
- ½ lb spaghetti noodles (about half a box)
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, grated (reduced-fat or regular)
Instructions
- Add chicken, salt, garlic powder, pepper, tarragon, onions, and mushrooms to the Crock Pot. Pour in chicken broth—don’t add cream cheese or spaghetti yet. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 4 hours), without opening the lid during cooking.
- Cut cream cheese into squares and add it to the slow cooker. Cover and continue cooking while you cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
- Once the cream cheese has melted, shred the chicken with two forks. Stir the chicken into the sauce. Add the cooked and drained spaghetti, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the pasta and sauce, then cover for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 394Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 594mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 37g
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.
Crock Pot Chicken Tetrazzini is the kind of dish that comforts you with every bite, and with this recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy it without the stress. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a casual gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Add your favorite variations and tips to make it your own!
Other delicious chicken recipes to try:
