Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s both creamy and packed with flavor, you’ll love this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe. This classic pasta casserole combines tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked together with perfectly cooked spaghetti and topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Plus, with this simplified version, you can whip up a delicious homemade dinner in no time! So grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

What is Chicken Tetrazzini?

Chicken Tetrazzini is a popular American pasta casserole that’s typically made with diced or shredded chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce made from milk, broth, and often cheese. It’s believed to be named after the famous Italian opera singer, Luisa Tetrazzini, though the dish itself is not traditionally Italian. The casserole is baked until golden and bubbly, making it a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Chicken Tetrazzini is an easy and delicious way to use up leftover chicken and is highly customizable to suit your taste.

Ingredients List for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting Chicken Tetrazzini:

• 2 cups cooked chicken – Diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly).
• 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine – Cooked according to package directions.
• ½ cup butter (1 stick) – Divided, for sautéing and sauce.
• 1 small onion, diced – Adds flavor to the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – For a savory base.
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced – Adds an earthy flavor to the dish.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce.
• 2 cups chicken broth – To create the creamy sauce.
• 1 ½ cups milk – You can use whole milk for a richer sauce, or low-fat for a lighter version.
• ½ cup heavy cream – Optional for extra richness.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor to the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – For seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a nice herbal note.
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley – For a touch of color and flavor.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese – For the cheesy, bubbly topping.

Optional:

• ¼ cup dry white wine – For deglazing the pan and adding depth to the sauce (can substitute with more chicken broth).
• Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers – For an optional crunchy topping.

Substitutions and Variations

• Turkey: Swap out the chicken for turkey, especially if you have leftovers from a holiday meal.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute like rice flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a veggie-loaded version.
• Different Cheeses: Try using Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or even Swiss cheese for a different flavor twist.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat pasta instead of traditional white pasta.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are golden and the onions are translucent. If using, deglaze the pan with the white wine and let it cook down for a couple of minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and melt the remaining ¼ cup of butter in the empty side of the pan. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk and heavy cream (if using), making sure to whisk out any lumps.
4. Season the Sauce: Stir in the salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the cheese melts into the sauce.
5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and diced or shredded chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If your skillet isn’t large enough, you can combine everything in a large mixing bowl before transferring to a baking dish.
6. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
7. Optional Crunchy Topping: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese layer.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want the top to be golden and crispy, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
9. Serve: Remove the Chicken Tetrazzini from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy!

How to Cook Chicken Tetrazzini: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta – Boil your pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
2. Step 2: Sauté the Veggies – Cooking the onions, garlic, and mushrooms first ensures they’re soft and flavorful before being mixed into the casserole.
3. Step 3: Make the Sauce – The key to this dish is the creamy sauce. Make sure you whisk the flour thoroughly into the butter to avoid lumps, and gradually add the liquids to get a smooth consistency.
4. Step 4: Mix Everything Together – Once the sauce is thickened and seasoned, toss it with the cooked pasta and chicken.
5. Step 5: Bake and Serve – Bake the casserole until bubbly and golden, then let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooking it will result in mushy noodles.
• Skipping the Roux: The flour-butter mixture (roux) is important for thickening the sauce. Don’t skip this step or your sauce may end up too runny.
• Not Tasting the Sauce: Always taste your sauce before combining everything to ensure it’s seasoned properly. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
• Dry Casserole: If your casserole seems too dry before baking, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep it moist.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Tetrazzini is best served hot, right out of the oven. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. A warm, crusty bread like garlic bread or dinner rolls is also a great addition to soak up the creamy sauce.

How to Serve Chicken Tetrazzini

Serve Chicken Tetrazzini straight from the baking dish, family-style, so everyone can help themselves. You can also portion it out into individual plates and garnish with a little extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Tetrazzini

• Cast Iron Skillet: If you have an oven-safe skillet, serve the Chicken Tetrazzini straight from the skillet for a rustic, homey presentation.
• Herb Garnish: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or basil over the finished dish adds color and freshness.
• Grated Cheese: Serve with a small bowl of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for guests to sprinkle on top of their serving.

Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
• Freezing: Chicken Tetrazzini freezes well. Assemble the dish, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any other cooked chicken works perfectly in this dish.

Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Yes, you can use turkey, ham, or even shrimp instead of chicken for a delicious variation.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative, and

use a plant-based milk and cheese substitute.

Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Tetrazzini. Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To avoid drying out the casserole, reheat in the oven covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through. Add a little splash of chicken broth or milk if needed.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, making it a perfect meal for any night of the week. Whether you're making it with leftover chicken or cooking everything from scratch, this dish comes together quickly and is sure to be a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich sauce mixed with pasta and topped with bubbly cheese is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit various tastes and diets. So, gather your ingredients, and give this delicious casserole a try! Enjoy!

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