** A plate of creamy chicken tetrazzini topped with melted cheese and breadcrumbs, garnished with parsley.
Chicken tetrazzini is a comforting, creamy pasta dish that’s filled with tender chicken, mushrooms, and pasta, all coated in a rich, savory sauce. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Introduction
Chicken tetrazzini is a classic pasta dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and delicious. It’s made with tender chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce, all baked to perfection. This version skips the wine but still has a depth of flavor thanks to the broth and seasonings.
It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, and it tastes even better the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tetrazzini
- Creamy and cheesy: A delicious combination of cheese and creamy sauce.
- Tender chicken: Flavorful, juicy chicken cooked right into the dish.
- Quick to make: Ready in just 45 minutes.
- Comfort food: Hearty and filling, perfect for a cozy meal.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love it.
Ingredients for Chicken Tetrazzini
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded): The main protein for the dish.
- Pasta (8 oz): Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well.
- Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced): For an earthy flavor.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): For the savory sauce base.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): To create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): For a savory, nutty finish.
- Cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): For melting and cheesiness.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): For the crispy topping.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For depth of flavor.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a savory note.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe Step-by-Step
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
- 1. Preheat the oven. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. Sauté the chicken and mushrooms. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes.
- 3. Make the sauce. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- 4. Combine pasta and sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix until well coated.
- 5. Assemble and bake. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- 6. Serve. Let the tetrazzini cool for a few minutes before serving.
Reader Review: “This chicken tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food. So creamy and cheesy!”
Tips for Perfect Chicken Tetrazzini
- Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using cooked chicken.
- Add more veggies: Try adding peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Use a casserole dish: Make sure to use a dish large enough to hold the pasta and sauce.
Variations & Substitutions
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- Add bacon: For an extra savory flavor, add crumbled bacon to the sauce.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
- Pair with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
If you make this chicken tetrazzini, leave a rating and comment! How did you like it?