Chicken Tetrazzini

A warm and comforting pasta casserole dish featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, perfect for cozy family dinners.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Pasta and Protein

12 ounces Pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine) Gives the dish its structure; use any pasta you have on hand.
3 cups Cooked Chicken Provides protein; shredded rotisserie chicken saves time.

Vegetables

8 ounces Mushrooms Adds earthy flavor; substitute with spinach for a twist.
1 Onion Brings depth; shallots can work well too.
3 cloves Garlic Adds flavor.

Sauce Ingredients

4 tablespoons Butter For sautéing; use olive oil as a healthier alternative.
2 tablespoons Flour To thicken; gluten-free flour suits those with dietary restrictions.
3 cups Chicken Broth Adds moisture; vegetable broth is a great substitute.
1 cup Heavy Cream Provides richness; Greek yogurt can lighten it up.
1 cup Sour Cream Provides creaminess; can substitute with Greek yogurt.
1 teaspoon Salt Basic flavoring.
1 teaspoon Pepper Basic flavoring.
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Basic flavoring; spices can be customized based on preference.

Toppings

1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Melts beautifully for that indulgent layer; use any cheese that melts well.
1 cup Parmesan Cheese Offers a savory topping.
1 cup Breadcrumbs For a crunchy topping; crushed crackers can serve as a substitute.

Method

Preparation

Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Making the Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

Assembly

Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs over the top.

Baking and Serving

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Not cooking the pasta until al dente; it continues to soften in the oven. Using pre-cooked chicken that lacks seasoning. Skipping the baking step, making the dish lose its deliciously crispy top. For extra crunch, broil the dish for a couple of minutes after baking. Add cooked peas or carrots for added nutrition and color. Make it a day ahead and let the flavors meld together overnight.