Description
Chicken tetrazzini brings together creamy pasta and tender poultry in a comforting Italian-American classic. Rich with parmesan and a velvety sauce, you’ll savor this hearty dish that warms both heart and plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded)
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or linguine
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 4 tablespoons butter
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare pasta al dente according to package directions, then drain thoroughly and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Sauté sliced mushrooms and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until mushrooms release moisture and become golden, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Create a creamy roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until smooth and slightly golden, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Gradually incorporate chicken broth and heavy cream into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky, consistent sauce.
- Fold grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Gently fold shredded cooked chicken into the sauce, ensuring even distribution and complete coating.
- Combine pasta with the chicken and sauce, mixing carefully to prevent breaking the noodles.
- Transfer the mixture to a preheated 375°F oven-safe casserole dish, spreading evenly for consistent heating.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously across the top, creating a golden, melted surface.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns bubbly and slightly browned, creating a crispy, appetizing crust.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and sauce settle.
Notes
- Swap protein easily by using turkey, tofu, or even canned tuna for versatile meal options.
- Control cream sauce thickness by adjusting chicken broth and cream ratios to match preferred consistency.
- Toast breadcrumbs separately for extra crunch before sprinkling on top for enhanced textural contrast.
- Prepare dish ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked, allowing flavors to meld overnight for deeper taste profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg