The Best Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Whipping up a creamy chicken tetrazzini feels like pure culinary magic for busy home cooks.

Pasta lovers rejoice as this classic comfort dish comes together with minimal effort.

Luxurious cream sauce envelops tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles in a symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners demand something simple yet spectacular, and this recipe delivers every single time.

Pantry staples merge into a delightful meal that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

Cheese-lovers will appreciate the golden, bubbling top that makes each bite irresistibly tempting.

You can create restaurant-quality goodness right in your own kitchen with just a few smart techniques.

Chicken Tetrazzini You’ll Want On Repeat

• Boost Nutrition Naturally: Packed with carrots and potatoes, this soup delivers a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that nourish your body while tasting delicious.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a stress-free meal preparation.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable with optional cream for richness or potential vegetable swaps, allowing personal touches that match individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Warm Family Meal Solution: Creates a hearty, comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults, ideal for cozy family dinners or gathering loved ones around the table with a nutritious meal.

All The Ingredients For Chicken Tetrazzini Success

• Spaghetti or Pasta: The foundation of the dish that provides hearty texture and carbohydrate base.
• Chicken: A protein-rich ingredient that adds substantial flavor and substance to the tetrazzini.
• Chicken Broth: Creates depth of flavor and helps create a rich, smooth sauce for the dish.

• Milk, Heavy Cream: Provides creamy consistency and luxurious mouthfeel to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers melty, stretchy topping that creates a golden crust.

• Onions, Mushrooms, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a complex flavor profile.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth sauce base.
• Flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the creamy sauce.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden topping that adds textural contrast.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Optional Nutmeg: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the completed dish.

Step-By-Step Guide To Chicken Tetrazzini Night

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti until it reaches al dente texture.

Drain thoroughly and set aside, allowing excess water to escape completely.

Step 2: Sizzle Vegetable Medley

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

• Diced onions
• Sliced mushrooms
• Minced garlic

Saute the vegetables until they become tender and release their aromatic flavors, approximately 5 minutes. Pour chicken broth into the pan to enhance the flavor profile and deglaze the cooking surface.

Step 3: Create Silky Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter until it becomes smooth and golden. Sprinkle flour and whisk continuously to create a golden roux.

• Milk
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream (optional)

Whisk until the mixture transforms into a velvety, lump-free sauce. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, season with salt, black pepper, and a hint of nutmeg if desired.

Continue cooking until the sauce reaches a luxurious, thick consistency.

Step 4: Assemble Flavor Symphony

Combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, sauteed vegetables, and creamy sauce in a large mixing bowl.

Ensure every ingredient is evenly coated and distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Prepare Crispy Topping

Transfer the mixture to a generously greased baking dish.

Sprinkle a layer of breadcrumbs and mozzarella cheese across the top for an irresistible golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).

Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown topping and bubbling sauce that signals complete deliciousness.

Step 7: Serve with Elegance

Remove from the oven and let rest briefly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve piping hot, inviting everyone to enjoy this comforting classic.

Kitchen Tips For Chicken Tetrazzini Bliss

• Swap spaghetti with gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the dish's creamy texture and flavor.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting milk quantity; less milk creates a richer, more concentrated sauce while more milk yields a lighter consistency.
• Enhance protein options by replacing chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse dietary needs.
• Prevent dry tetrazzini by covering the baking dish with foil during initial baking, then removing for the last 10 minutes to achieve golden, crispy topping.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium chicken broth and checking salt levels before adding extra seasoning to the sauce.

Tetrazzini Twists: Try These Fun Options

• Seafood Sensation: Replace shredded chicken with a mix of shrimp, crab, and scallops for an oceanic flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Voyage: Swap chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, adding extra protein with plant-based alternatives.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Marvel: Add sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and use feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Sides To Go With Chicken Tetrazzini

• Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
• Pair with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli to add a nutritious vegetable side that complements the dish's creaminess.
• Create a cozy family dinner presentation by serving in a large rustic ceramic dish, allowing everyone to scoop their portion directly from the baking pan.
• Offer extra grated Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper at the table for personalized seasoning.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Save Chicken Tetrazzini For Another Day

• Transfer leftover chicken tetrazzini to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Is chicken tetrazzini a healthy dish?

This classic comfort food is rich and creamy, but not particularly low-calorie. It contains protein from chicken and some vegetables, but also has high fat content from cheese, cream, and butter.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use fettuccine, linguine, penne, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just ensure the pasta can hold the creamy sauce well.

• What's the origin of chicken tetrazzini?

The dish is named after Luisa Tetrazzini, an Italian opera singer popular in the early 1900s. It was likely created in San Francisco as a tribute to her, combining Italian and American culinary techniques.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade chicken tetrazzini brings comfort and classic Italian-American flavors to family dinner tables. Creamy pasta with tender chicken and mushrooms creates a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 – 3 cups chicken, shredded (rotisserie)
• 12 oz spaghetti (or long pasta)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sauteing)

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Instructions

1. Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Sauté onions, mushrooms, and garlic until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes. Pour chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
3. Create a roux in a separate saucepan by melting butter and whisking in flour. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually incorporate milk, additional chicken broth, and cream, continuously whisking to prevent lumps.
4. Simmer the sauce until it thickens sufficiently to coat the back of a spoon. Blend in Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg for depth of flavor.
5. Combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and prepared sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
7. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and mozzarella cheese across the surface for a crispy, golden topping.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the sauce bubbles around the edges.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Substitute spaghetti with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs, ensuring texture remains similar to original recipe.
• Consider using rotisserie chicken for faster preparation and enhanced flavor depth without extra cooking time.
• Reduce sauce’s richness by replacing heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt, maintaining creamy consistency while cutting calories.
• Toast breadcrumbs beforehand to create extra crunch and prevent soggy topping during baking, enhancing overall dish texture and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 313 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg