
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is your go-to comfort meal. Luxuriously creamy and packed with tender chicken and savory mushrooms, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck. Each bite is an inviting burst of flavor and comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Delight: The combination of whole milk and heavy cream makes this dish irresistibly rich and satisfying.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, it’s a dish that even beginner cooks can confidently make.
- Flavor Packed: The use of fragrant garlic and sautéed mushrooms adds layers of flavor that take this dish to another level.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite veggies or to use up leftovers in your fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is as delicious as it is easy to make, using ingredients that blend simplicity with incredible flavor. Each component adds a unique taste or texture, creating a cohesive dish that’s both satisfying and delightful.
- Pasta: Choose any thin spaghetti or linguine; it wraps the sauce beautifully around each strand.
- Unsalted Butter: Central to creating the creamy base, giving depth and richness.
- Button Mushrooms: These absorb the flavors of the dish, offering an earthy contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Provides protein while being tender and flavorful, especially if you use rotisserie chicken.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are a must for building a deliciously savory base.
- Chicken Broth, Milk, and Heavy Cream: They come together to make the most velvety sauce.
- Shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: They create a cheesy, golden crust that’s hard to resist.
Variations
One of the best things about this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is how flexible it is. Feel free to tailor it to fit your dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand—you might just discover your own signature version!
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like broccoli or spinach to keep it veggie-friendly.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles to create a lighter version that’s still creamy and satisfying.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish an exciting heat.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, adding a generous amount of salt. Once boiling, cook your chosen pasta until just shy of al dente—it will continue cooking in the oven later. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process, then set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Sauté the mushrooms until golden, then add chopped onions and cook until soft. Toss in the minced garlic, allowing it to infuse its fragrance before removing the mixture from the heat.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Using the same pot, melt more butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly incorporate chicken broth until smooth, followed by the milk and cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Flavor with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Stir in the cooked chicken and mushroom blend.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Add your cooked pasta to the sauce, along with most of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Once mixed, transfer everything into a casserole dish, topping with the remaining mozzarella. Bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden brown.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
- Golden Topping: After baking, broil for 2-3 minutes for a beautifully golden and slightly crispy top layer.
- Choose Your Chicken: For the best flavor, opt for a rotisserie chicken—it simplifies prep and infuses richer taste.
- Herb Infusion: Don’t skip the fresh parsley—it brightens the dish and balances the richness beautifully.
- Cheese Perfection: Mix your cheeses beforehand to ensure even melting throughout the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
Garnishes
Top this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini with a sprinkling of fresh parsley or a dash of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and an intriguing flavor twist. A light sprinkle of Parmesan adds the perfect cheesy finish.
Side Dishes
Serve this comforting dish with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. Garlic bread would also complement the creamy layers with its crunchy, buttery goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the tetrazzini in individual ramekins or on a bed of baby spinach for fresh contrast. Incorporating colorful, edible flowers as a garnish could add a surprising elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When stored properly, the flavors continue to develop, sometimes making it even better the next day!
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled tetrazzini in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. For a quick fix, microwave individual portions, keeping them moist by adding a splash of milk before heating.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini?
Absolutely! You can swap in any pasta you love—penne, fettuccine, or even shells will work beautifully to hold the creamy sauce.
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Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour.
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What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or a thickened milk alternative can be used, although it may slightly alter the creaminess of the sauce.
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How can I make this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini more flavorful?
Adding a splash of white wine to the sauce or boosting the amount of garlic and herbs can elevate the flavor layers significantly.
Final Thoughts
The heartwarming essence of this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is too inviting to pass up. Whether you’re gathering with family or indulging on your own, this dish promises to deliver comforting satisfaction with every creamy, cheesy bite. Give it a try and experience how it quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen.
PrintChicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy and comforting Chicken Tetrazzini combines tender pasta with succulent chicken and a rich, cheesy sauce. Baked to perfection, this classic dish is ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tetrazzini
- 450g (1 pound) thin spaghetti or linguine
- 56g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
- 225g (8 ounces) button mushrooms, sliced
- 900g (2 pounds) cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
- 250g (1 medium) onion, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
For the Creamy Sauce
- 56g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
- 40g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour
- 480ml (2 cups) chicken broth
- 480ml (2 cups) whole milk
- 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 55g (1/4 cup) chopped parsley
- 226g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 23g (1/4 cup) shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare for baking.
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook for 1 minute less than package instructions for al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until golden and softened. Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Transfer mixture to a bowl.
- Make the sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then milk and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, whisking often, until the sauce thickens (8-12 minutes).
- Add chicken and vegetables: Stir in cooked chicken, mushroom-onion mixture, and parsley. Mix well.
- Combine with pasta and cheese: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, then stir in 1½ cups mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted. For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a large rotisserie chicken for convenience—about 3 pounds to yield roughly 4 cups of meat.
- Salt your pasta water generously; it seasons the noodles perfectly.
- To save dishes, use an oven-safe Dutch oven from boiling noodles to baking the casserole, reducing cleanup.
- Broiling briefly at the end gives a lovely golden, crispy topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 771 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 858 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 55 g
- Cholesterol: 193 mg