Quick & Savory Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting a mouthwatering easy chicken tetrazzini recipe brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Creamy pasta and tender poultry dance together in a delightful culinary symphony.

Busy home cooks adore this classic dish that comes together with minimal effort.

Layers of rich, cheesy goodness create a satisfying meal everyone will devour.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive pasta bake.

Classic Italian-American cuisine meets modern convenience in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible comfort food.

Ingredients for Chicken Tetrazzini

• Spaghetti: The primary carbohydrate foundation of the dish that provides structure and texture.

• Chicken: The main protein source that adds hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.

• Butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and helps develop deep flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide aromatic and foundational savory notes to the sauce.
• Mushrooms: Add earthy depth and additional texture to the dish.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and enhances overall savory flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the creamy and luxurious texture of the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create a smooth sauce.
• Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Deliver melty, cheesy goodness and enhance the overall flavor.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex umami and depth to the dish.
• Thyme: Introduces a subtle herbal note to complement the other ingredients.
• Salt, Pepper: Balance and enhance the overall seasoning.

• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy texture contrast to the creamy casserole.

How to Prepare Chicken Tetrazzini

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.

Drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Sliced mushrooms

Sauté until vegetables are soft and mushrooms turn golden brown.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour into the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Continuously stir until sauce becomes thick and smooth.

Step 4: Blend Cheesy Flavor Enhancers

• Sour cream
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook until cheeses melt completely and sauce reaches a silky consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Protein

Mix shredded chicken into the sauce-coated spaghetti.

Transfer entire mixture to a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Add Crispy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Extra mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until top turns golden and edges become bubbly.

Serve immediately while hot.

Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini

• Cook spaghetti just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven, ensuring a perfectly textured dish.
• Add a splash of white wine while sautéing mushrooms to enhance the overall taste profile and create a more complex sauce.
• Use rotisserie chicken or freshly poached chicken for maximum tenderness and easier shredding compared to pre-packaged options.
• Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually to prevent clumping and create a smoother, more integrated sauce.
• Assemble the entire casserole a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready – flavors will intensify and meal prep becomes effortless.

Variations for Chicken Tetrazzini

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat pasta with gluten-free spaghetti and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free protein option.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Reduce cream quantity and add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace mozzarella and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Select almond milk-based products for creamy texture.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Tetrazzini

• Comfort Plate Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta dish.
• Fresh Garden Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for bright color and herbal freshness that cuts through the dish's richness.
• Wine Companion Selection: Pair with a chilled Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce and enhance the meal's overall flavor profile.
• Weekend Meal Transformation: Reheat leftovers in individual ramekins and top with extra cheese for a delightful next-day lunch or quick weeknight dinner option.

How to Store Chicken Tetrazzini

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer chicken tetrazzini to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Stays good for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Add splash of chicken broth or milk to prevent drying. Cover dish with aluminum foil to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• What kind of pasta works best for Chicken Tetrazzini?

Spaghetti is traditional, but you can also use fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well and has good texture.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply shred the meat and mix it into the dish. It adds delicious flavor and cuts down on preparation time.

• Is Chicken Tetrazzini a healthy dish?

While delicious, this recipe is relatively high in calories and fat due to cream, cheese, and butter. Consider using lighter dairy options or adding more vegetables to boost nutrition.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini: Classic Comfort

• Whip Up Comfort: A crowd-pleasing pasta dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken for turkey or add different veggies to match your family's taste preferences without complicated adjustments.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy casserole that looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing, but actually comes together in just a few simple steps.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar flavors kids love and nutritious protein, this recipe guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dining table.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken tetrazzini brings comfort and elegance to pasta lovers seeking a classic Italian-American casserole. Creamy noodles with tender chicken create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups (680 grams) cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Other Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces (225 grams) mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook spaghetti until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set pasta aside.
2. In a spacious skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Introduce diced onions and sauté until translucent and tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until mushrooms caramelize and release their moisture, creating a rich golden color.
4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a light golden roux.
5. Gradually pour chicken broth into the skillet, whisking consistently to prevent lumps. Incorporate heavy cream and continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety smooth.
6. Introduce sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheeses melt completely and sauce achieves a uniform consistency.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and prepared sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
8. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs and additional cheese across the top for a crispy golden crust.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges bubble and surface turns golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Customize the protein by using turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist on this classic comfort dish.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.
• Control the sauce thickness by adjusting the amount of chicken broth and cream, ensuring a creamy but not overly runny consistency.
• Use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth to the tetrazzini.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg