Chicken tetrazzini is a beloved comfort food classic that has graced dinner tables for generations. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is a favorite among families for its irresistible blend of tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich Parmesan sauce that coats every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy weeknight meal or preparing it for a special gathering, this recipe is sure to satisfy and delight.
With its origins tracing back to the early 20th century, chicken tetrazzini has become a staple in the culinary canon, earning a reputation as a delicious and versatile dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the recipe’s ability to deliver comforting flavors and a satisfying texture in every forkful.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this chicken tetrazzini recipe apart is its perfect balance of rich, creamy indulgence and comforting familiarity. The velvety Parmesan sauce envelops the tender chicken and al dente pasta, creating a harmonious blend of textures that’s both satisfying and indulgent. The addition of sautéed mushrooms and a crisp breadcrumb topping adds depth of flavor and a delightful contrast in every bite.
Beyond its irresistible taste, this recipe is also remarkably accessible, with most of the ingredients being easily available in most kitchens. Plus, it can be prepared in advance and baked when you’re ready to serve, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. With its versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s no wonder chicken tetrazzini has become a beloved staple in so many households.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini ❓
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
The beauty of this creamy chicken tetrazzini is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich Parmesan sauce creates the classic Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made tetrazzini recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and sauté until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms and onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
• Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir to coat. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the breadcrumbs and additional Parmesan cheese.
• Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 65 minutes
Compared to traditional Italian baked pasta dishes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this creamy chicken tetrazzini recipe saves you 15 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors and a satisfying texture.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 607mg
These creamy chicken tetrazzini provide approximately 62% of your daily protein requirements and 16% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a carb-conscious alternative.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk in place of regular milk, and opt for a dairy-free Parmesan cheese substitute.
• Added protein: Boost the protein by adding shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey breast in addition to the cubed chicken.
• Boost vegetables: Incorporate additional vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for extra fiber and nutrients.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the creamy chicken tetrazzini.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a light, crisp white wine for a sophisticated dinner party presentation.
• Complement the tetrazzini with a simple tomato and cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
• For a family-style meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables and garlic bread for a cozy and comforting spread.
• Create an impressive holiday or potluck platter by arranging the tetrazzini in a baking dish and garnishing with fresh parsley or thyme.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not properly sautéing the vegetables: Taking the time to sauté the mushrooms, onions, and garlic until softened and fragrant is crucial for developing the dish’s flavor profile. Skipping this step can result in a flat, one-dimensional taste.
• Forgetting to season the dish: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper – the Parmesan cheese and other ingredients can easily overpower the chicken and pasta if the seasoning is lacking.
• Skipping the breadcrumb topping: The crispy, golden breadcrumb topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy tetrazzini. Omitting this step can leave the dish feeling a bit one-note.
• Overcrowding the baking dish: Be sure to use a 9×13-inch baking dish and resist the temptation to overfill it. This can lead to uneven cooking and the possibility of the tetrazzini spilling over during baking.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These creamy chicken tetrazzini retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the tetrazzini up to the baking step, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked tetrazzini to cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the tetrazzini in a 350°F oven and bake until heated through and the edges are bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, checking and stirring frequently until warmed.
❓ FAQs
Can I make chicken tetrazzini ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken tetrazzini is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked tetrazzini for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Can I substitute the chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily swap out the chicken for other proteins. Turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even cooked ground beef or Italian sausage would all work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning as needed to accommodate the different protein.
Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
This chicken tetrazzini recipe is not naturally gluten-free or dairy-free, as it contains pasta, milk, and Parmesan cheese. However, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit these dietary needs. Use gluten-free pasta, unsweetened almond or cashew milk, and a dairy-free Parmesan cheese substitute to make this dish gluten-free and dairy-free.
What if my tetrazzini turns out too dry?
If your chicken tetrazzini seems a bit dry after baking, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. First, make sure you didn’t overcook the pasta, as it can continue to absorb liquid during baking. If the dish is still too dry, try adding an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chicken broth or milk to the sauce before assembling and baking the casserole.
Can I add any additional ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken tetrazzini is a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste. Consider adding sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or even diced ham or bacon for a flavor boost. You can also experiment with different cheese toppings, such as mozzarella or Gruyère, in addition to the Parmesan.
Conclusion
These creamy chicken tetrazzini represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or preparing them for a special gathering, they’re sure to impress with their rich, comforting taste and satisfying texture. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these chicken tetrazzini demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the baking process.
So gather your loved ones and indulge in the deliciousness of this timeless and beloved dish.
Print
Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Total Time: 65 minutes
Ingredients
• 8 ounces spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
• Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and sauté until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms and onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
• Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir to coat. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the breadcrumbs and additional Parmesan cheese.
• Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
