Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Ah, Chicken Tetrazzini… It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This dish just wraps you in creamy goodness, right? Picture this: tender chunks of chicken nestled in pasta, all swimming in a rich, savory sauce. The nostalgia comes rushing in—like when I was a kid, and my mom would whip this up after a long day. It always felt like comfort in a bowl, you know? Just a wonderful mix of flavors that makes you want seconds, and maybe even thirds.

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s super comforting—perfect for cozy nights.
• Easy to customize; toss in whatever veggies you have lying around!
• Great for using up leftover chicken or turkey.
• The creamy sauce paired with cheesy goodness? Yes, please!
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or having delicious leftovers… if there are any left!

My family fights over the last serving every time—no kidding!

What You’ll Need

• Chicken breast: 3 cups, cooked and chopped—make it rotisserie for an even quicker option!
• Spaghetti: 8 oz, uncooked—classic choice, but you can use whatever pasta you love.
• Mushrooms: 8 oz, sliced—adds that earthy flavor.
• Onion: 1 medium, diced—ah, the aromatics!
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced—because garlic makes everything better.
• Butter: 4 tbsp—rich and delicious, what more can I say?
• Flour: 1/3 cup—gotta thicken that sauce nicely!
• Chicken broth: 2 cups—use homemade if you’ve got it!
• Heavy cream: 1 cup—this is where the magic happens.
• Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, grated—cheesy goodness on top!
• Salt: 1 tsp—just enough to bring out the flavors.
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp—for that little kick.
• Italian seasoning: 1 tsp—a must-have for that classic taste.
• Breadcrumbs: 1 cup—makes the top crispy and delightful.
• Olive oil: 1 tbsp—just a splash for sautéing.

Easy How-To

Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, first things first! Cook that spaghetti according to the package—don’t forget to drain it and set aside… but don’t overcook it, you want it al dente since it’ll get more help in the oven. Then, in a big skillet, melt your butter over medium heat, add in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté ’til the onion’s all nice and translucent. Next, in go the mushrooms! Let them cook down until they look golden and delicious… they smell amazing too, trust me!

Now, sprinkle your flour over those veggies, stir it a bit—just about a minute will do. Then, gently pour in the chicken broth and cream, stirring like you mean it. You want to thicken that saucy goodness! Once it’s all looking like a velvety dream, take it off the heat. Time to mix in your shredded chicken and those spaghetti noodles. Give it a good stir… make sure it’s all coated nicely!

Preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Now, transfer everything to a greased baking dish. Top it off with shredded Parmesan and breadcrumbs—layer them generously for that ideal crispy top. Bake it for about 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s all bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few before diving in… if you can wait!

Good to Know

• Feel free to swap out the spaghetti for your fave pasta—fettuccine or penne works great!
• Using leftover turkey? It will work just as beautifully—bring on the holiday vibes!
• Want to sneak in more veggies? Toss in some spinach or bell peppers—totally your call!

Serving Ideas

• Serve with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish—maybe even a lemony vinaigrette for brightness!

Top Tricks

• You can prep this dish a day in advance; just assemble and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven right before serving!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken is perfect for this recipe, and it saves time too… win-win!

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

For sure! Just swap in gluten-free pasta and double-check your broth and cream for gluten-free options, and you’re golden!

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can easily use half-and-half, or even evaporated milk—whatever works for your dietary needs!

How can I make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?

Just assemble it, but hold off on baking… pop it in the fridge and bake when you’re ready to serve. Simple!

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, yes, yes! Spinach, peas, or even bell peppers can bring so much to this dish, so don’t hold back!

So there you have it—my beloved Chicken Tetrazzini! It’s comfort in a dish, something that invites you to gather around the table and share laughter and stories. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too!