If you are craving a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and packed with irresistible flavors, this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is the answer you’ve been looking for. This classic casserole brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, mushrooms, and a rich sauce finished with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or special occasions where you want to impress without stressing in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is surprisingly simple and each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color in this dish. From the juicy chicken breast to the fresh peas and creamy cheeses, all contribute to making this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe a standout comfort food.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: the star protein, tender and juicy when cooked just right.
- Italian seasoning: adds a fragrant blend of herbs for a savory depth.
- Salt and pepper: essential to bring all flavors into balance and enhance the dish.
- Olive oil and butter: a flavorful fat combo to sauté and build the sauce base.
- Dry white wine: adds acidity and complexity to the mushroom and onion sauté (optional but highly recommended).
- Button mushrooms: diced for earthiness and a meaty texture contrast.
- Yellow onion: diced to provide sweetness and savory depth.
- Garlic cloves: minced to infuse the dish with aromatic flavor.
- Cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup: the creamy, comforting sauce backbone.
- Sour cream and milk: added for creaminess and silky texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: brings a sharp, nutty richness.
- Frozen peas: a pop of sweetness and vibrant green color.
- Spaghetti: the hearty pasta that carries all those luscious flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese: melted on top to create a bubbly, golden crust.
- Fresh parsley: for a bright, fresh garnish that elevates every bite.
How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breast generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through. This step locks in the juiciness while building a flavorful crust. Once done, let the chicken rest before slicing or shredding it for the casserole.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Build Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and diced onions, letting them soften and turn translucent. Add garlic and mushrooms, sautéing until they release their juices and become tender. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. Stir in the cream of chicken and mushroom soups, sour cream, and milk, whisking to combine. Finally, fold in the grated Parmesan and season this sauce until it sings with flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Cook your spaghetti just shy of al dente since it will bake and absorb sauce in the casserole. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, sliced chicken, sauce, and frozen peas. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, topping evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese melts, bubbles, and begins to turn golden, about 25 minutes. The result is pure comfort food bliss.
How to Serve Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect finishing touch is a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley that adds a pop of green, freshness, and a hint of herbaceous flavor to contrast the creamy richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables. The light sides cut through the richness beautifully and add texture and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. Alternatively, plate the Chicken Tetrazzini alongside garlic bread or a small bowl of soup to create a hearty, restaurant-quality dinner at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Tetrazzini keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for an easy lunch or dinner when you’re short on time but want comfort food.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes, to preserve the cheesy topping’s texture. If in a hurry, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti works great, feel free to substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne for a slightly different texture and appearance.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the recipe?
White wine adds a lovely depth of flavor, but if you prefer to skip alcohol, you can substitute with extra chicken broth or even water plus a splash of lemon juice to keep acidity.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add more mushrooms or your favorite vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, and use vegetable-based cream soups for a delicious vegetarian version.
What type of cheese works best for topping Chicken Tetrazzini?
Mozzarella melts beautifully and creates that signature bubbly topping, but you can mix in some cheddar or Gruyère for added flavor and richness.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Be sure to cook the pasta just until it’s slightly underdone (al dente) since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Final Thoughts
With its velvety sauce, tender chicken, and irresistible cheesy topping, this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is truly a comforting classic worth making any time you want to impress with effortless deliciousness. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, satisfying bite with your loved ones.
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Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting pasta casserole featuring tender chicken, mushrooms, and a blend of savory soups and cheeses. This hearty dish combines spaghetti with a rich sauce, peas, and melted mozzarella, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauté Base
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 8 oz. button mushrooms, diced
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Dairy
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
- 10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ¾ lb. spaghetti
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the chicken breast on both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook Chicken and Vegetables: Sear the chicken breast in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add diced mushrooms, onion, and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits, and let it reduce for 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Cook Spaghetti and Chicken: Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain. Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, diced chicken, sautéed mushrooms and onions, peas, and the prepared sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting Chicken Tetrazzini!
Notes
- Dry white wine adds depth to the sauce but can be omitted if preferred; substitute with chicken broth if desired.
- For a lower-carb version, substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or other vegetable pasta alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
