Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Looking for a creamy, comforting dish that’s easy to make but tastes like something from a restaurant? Look no further than this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe! It’s packed with tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prepping for the week. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your Chicken Tetrazzini turns out perfectly. Read on to learn all the secrets to making this delicious dish, and don’t forget to check out the tips, variations, and FAQs at the end!

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What is Chicken Tetrazzini?

Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic American pasta casserole made with shredded or cubed chicken, a creamy sauce, and cheese, all baked to golden perfection. The dish is named after the famous Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini and was created in her honor in the early 1900s. While there are many variations of Tetrazzini, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients List for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this comforting dish:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs for topping
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

While the recipe above is a classic, feel free to tweak it according to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Chicken: You can use turkey, ham, or even canned tuna if you don’t have chicken on hand.
• Pasta: Any long pasta like linguine, angel hair, or even penne can work in place of spaghetti or fettuccine.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with olive oil and use dairy-free cream, cheese, and sour cream.
• Mushrooms: Not a fan of mushrooms? Simply leave them out, or swap them for another vegetable like bell peppers or spinach.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute in the sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients prepped and ready. This will make the cooking process smoother and ensure nothing gets overcooked.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred or cube the meat. If you’re cooking fresh chicken breasts or thighs, season them with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet until golden and fully cooked through. Let them rest for a few minutes before shredding.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and mushrooms, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture is golden and smooth. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking as you go to avoid lumps. Next, add the cream (or milk), sour cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy, and the cheese has melted.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the breadcrumbs.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the Chicken Tetrazzini uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. For an extra crispy topping, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta until it’s just al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, so overcooked pasta can become mushy.
2. Skipping the Roux: Don’t skip making the roux (flour and butter base) for the sauce. It helps thicken the sauce and gives it that rich, creamy texture.
3. Not Adjusting the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more broth or milk to thin it out. If it's too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken before adding it to the pasta.
4. Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks very quickly, and burnt garlic can make the dish bitter. Add garlic only after the onions and mushrooms have softened.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Tetrazzini is a hearty dish that can be served as is, but if you want to elevate your meal, here are a few ideas for sides and presentation.

How to Serve Chicken Tetrazzini

• Family-Style: Serve it directly from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style meal. Let guests scoop out their own portions, ensuring everyone gets plenty of that golden, cheesy topping.
• Individual Portions: If you’re hosting a more formal dinner, consider serving Chicken Tetrazzini in individual ramekins or small casserole dishes.
• With Sides: Pair this creamy casserole with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Tetrazzini

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil can brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
• Lemon Zest: For an unexpected twist, grate a little lemon zest over the top before serving. The citrus will cut through the richness of the sauce.
• Cheese Crust: Consider adding a little extra Parmesan or breadcrumbs during the last few minutes of baking to create a beautifully crispy, golden crust.

Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance! Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it goes straight from the fridge to the oven.
• Freezing: Chicken Tetrazzini freezes well. To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding cooked spinach, peas, or broccoli to the casserole before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works well with any cooked poultry, including turkey. It’s a great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake when you’re ready.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?
A: Yes! After assembling, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Q: What can I serve with Chicken Tetrazzini?
A: A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies make excellent sides for this creamy dish.

Q: How can I make this dish lighter?
A: To lighten the dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or a low-fat alternative, use whole wheat pasta, and reduce the amount of cheese.

Conclusion

Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're making it for a special dinner or prepping for a week of easy meals, this recipe is versatile, delicious, and simple to prepare. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Don’t forget to try out the variations and tips to make this dish your own!

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