Chicken Tetrazzini – This classic American casserole combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, spaghetti, and a topping of melted cheese or breadcrumbs for a meal that’s as delicious as it is nostalgic.
What is Chicken Tetrazzini?
Tetrazzini is a popular American dish made with diced seafood or poultry and mushroom in a parmesan sauce and cream/butter and flavored with sherry or wine. It is served hot over spaghetti, linguine, or some other thin pasta, topped with Parmesan cheese or almonds or both and garnished with parsley.
This easy chicken tetrazzini recipe can be prepared as a baked noodle casserole and sometimes to have shortcuts people make this recipe for chicken tetrazzini with canned cream of mushroom soup or other cream soups.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Tetrazzini
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Undercook the pasta slightly since it will continue to cook in the oven, absorbing the flavors of the creamy sauce.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time and add extra flavor by using shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, grate your cheese fresh.
- Balance the Sauce: If the sauce feels too thick, thin it out with a bit of chicken broth or reserved pasta water.
- Add Depth with Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms enhance the umami flavor, making the dish even more irresistible.
Variations to Suit Every Taste
- Turkey Tetrazzini: A fantastic way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
- Seafood Tetrazzini: Swap chicken for shrimp or crab for a seafood twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour for the roux.
- Vegetarian Tetrazzini: Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms, and use vegetable broth in the sauce.
- Spicy Tetrazzini: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
How to Serve Chicken Tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience by pairing it with:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up every drop of the creamy sauce.
- Green Salad: A light, tangy salad balances the richness of the dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition to your plate.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Tetrazzini
- Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Reheating: Cover the casserole with foil to retain moisture and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For individual portions, a microwave works fine.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.
2. What’s the best pasta to use?
Spaghetti is the classic choice, but linguine, fettuccine, or even penne work well.
3. Can I make it healthier?
Yes! Use whole-grain pasta, low-fat milk, and a moderate amount of cheese to lighten the dish while keeping it flavorful.
4. Why is my sauce grainy?
Grainy sauce often results from overheating the cream or cheese. Stir constantly over low heat for a smooth, velvety texture.
5. What kind of cheese is best?
Parmesan and mozzarella are classic, but Gruyere or sharp cheddar add unique flavor twists.
Chicken Tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini - This classic American casserole combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, spaghetti, and a topping of melted cheese or breadcrumbs for a meal that’s as delicious as it is nostalgic.
Ingredients
- 10 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 10 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 pound seasoned cooked chicken , chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter , melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound thin spaghetti , cooked al dente
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley , for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, set aside.
- In large bowl whisk together both soups, sour cream, butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until combined.
- Stir in the peas, chicken, and spaghetti; toss to combine until fully coated.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until cheese is melted and casserole is hot throughout.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with parsley. Let stand 5-10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
12Amount Per Serving Calories 776Total Fat 53gSaturated Fat 26gTrans Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 188mgSodium 1329mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 2gSugar 6gProtein 36g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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Conclusion
Chicken Tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it to suit your preferences, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Try it out for your next family dinner, and don’t forget to share your variations and tips in the comments below!
