When the day calls for something truly comforting, deeply satisfying, and wonderfully cheesy, our Easy Chicken Tetrazzini answers the call! This timeless casserole, named after opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini, marries tender chicken with delicate spaghetti in a rich, creamy sauce, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making it a perfect family dinner or a delightful meal to share with friends. If you're ready to create a memorable dish with minimal fuss, let's get cooking!
Why This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Will Become Your New Favorite
Our recipe for Chicken Tetrazzini takes the classic flavors you love and streamlines the process, proving that ultimate comfort food doesn't have to be complicated. You'll love how quickly this comes together, especially if you use pre-cooked chicken. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and delivers that nostalgic, homemade taste everyone craves.
The Magic of Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this dish lies in its accessible ingredients, transforming everyday staples into something extraordinary. With cooked chicken, spaghetti, a velvety sauce, and plenty of Parmesan cheese, you're on your way to a truly delightful meal. For a quick overview of the history of this classic dish, check out the Tetrazzini Wikipedia page.
Crafting Your Perfect Creamy Casserole
Creating this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. From sautéing your aromatics to building that luscious sauce and baking it until perfectly golden, each step is designed for ease and flavor.
Tips for an Unforgettable Creamy Sauce
The secret to any great Tetrazzini is its rich, velvety sauce. Whisking your roux thoroughly and gradually adding liquids will ensure a smooth, lump-free base. For those who love a truly luxurious sauce, consider adding a splash of dry sherry for an extra layer of depth. If you enjoy perfecting creamy sauces, you might also like our recipe for The Ultimate Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Copycat (Clara's Recipes).
Ingredient Adaptations & Enhancements
This recipe is wonderfully forgiving. Feel free to swap chicken for turkey, especially if you have leftovers from a holiday feast. Adding sautéed mushrooms and peas introduces delightful textures and flavors. When preparing your chicken or other ingredients, a Quality Chef's Knife can make the chopping and dicing process much easier and safer.
Serving Your Delicious Tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines alongside a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette to balance its richness. A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is also an excellent addition for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
This casserole is fantastic for meal planning! You can assemble it a day in advance and bake it fresh when you're ready to eat. Leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for several days, making them perfect for lunches or quick weeknight dinners. For more easy meal prep ideas, try our Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Your 15-Minute Recipe Guide!.
Get ready to impress your family and delight your taste buds with this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini. It's truly a timeless classic that brings comfort and joy to any table!
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe?
Absolutely! Cooked turkey is an excellent substitute for chicken, especially after holidays like Thanksgiving. Simply shred or dice the cooked turkey and incorporate it into the recipe as you would the chicken.
What's the best way to store and reheat leftover Chicken Tetrazzini?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or cover the casserole dish with foil and bake at 300u00b0F (150u00b0C) until heated through, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry.
Can I add more vegetables to my Chicken Tetrazzini?
Yes, definitely! Besides mushrooms and peas, you can add diced bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli florets. Sautu00e9 harder vegetables with the onion and mushrooms, or add softer greens like spinach during the final sauce mixing step.
What type of pasta works best for Tetrazzini?
Spaghetti is the classic choice, as its long, thin strands beautifully cradle the creamy sauce. However, other long pastas like linguine or fettuccine, or even shorter cuts like penne or rotini, can work well if that's what you have on hand.
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
A truly effortless and incredibly satisfying casserole featuring tender chicken, spaghetti, a rich, creamy sauce, and plenty of cheese, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
1 pound spaghetti, broken in half
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry sherry (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms; sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. If using, stir in the dry sherry and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off. Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet (or a large pot), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Step 5: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Stir in the cream of chicken soup until well combined. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Step 6: Stir in the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, frozen peas (if using), 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup fresh parsley into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture and toss gently until all the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 8: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and, if desired, Panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
Step 9: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of dry sherry to the sauce. Fresh mushrooms or frozen peas are great additions for more texture and nutrients. Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully to speed up prep time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Casserole
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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