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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and prepared sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs and mozzarella cheese across the surface for a crispy, golden topping.
- 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.
- 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