Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that brings together tender pasta, savory chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a gooey layer of melted cheese. This Chicken Tetrazzini recipe embodies that perfect blend of heartiness and flavor, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or a cozy night in. Each bite is a warm, satisfying hug on a plate, offering a taste experience that’s both familiar and delightfully indulgent.
Ingredients Breakdown
The ingredients in this Chicken Tetrazzini are carefully chosen to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in delivering the ultimate comfort food experience.
Spaghetti is the foundation of this dish, and cooking it al dente is crucial. This ensures that the pasta maintains a slight firmness, which helps it stand up to the rich, creamy sauce without becoming mushy. The spaghetti threads absorb the sauce just enough, creating a delightful texture with every forkful.
The chicken, seasoned and cooked to perfection, adds a robust, savory element to the casserole. Whether you choose to chop or shred the chicken, its tender pieces provide a satisfying contrast to the creamy sauce. The seasoning of the chicken is essential, as it infuses the entire dish with a deeper, more complex flavor.
The creamy base of this dish is a luxurious combination of cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and melted butter. This blend creates a velvety texture that envelopes the pasta and chicken, making each bite rich and flavorful. The addition of low-sodium chicken broth not only thins out the sauce to the perfect consistency but also enhances the overall savory profile.
The trio of cheeses—mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan—takes this casserole to another level. Mozzarella brings a gooey, melty quality, while cheddar adds a sharpness that cuts through the creaminess. The Parmesan, with its nutty and slightly salty flavor, adds the final touch, creating a cheesy crust on top that’s irresistible.
Frozen peas are a delightful addition, offering a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the dish. They also introduce a slight crunch, adding to the texture variety.
Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder may seem modest, but they are indispensable. They enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients, ensuring that every bite is perfectly seasoned and full of depth.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Creating this Chicken Tetrazzini is a straightforward process, but following each step carefully ensures that the final result is nothing short of perfection.
Prepping the Dish starts with preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This step ensures that your casserole won’t stick to the dish, making for an easier serving experience.
Creating the Creamy Mixture is where the magic begins. In a large mixing bowl, you’ll combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk these ingredients until they’re smooth and well-blended, forming a rich, creamy base that will coat every ingredient in the casserole.
Combining the Ingredients is a critical step that ensures every element of the dish is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Carefully fold in the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and frozen peas. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so that each bite is packed with flavor.
Layering the Casserole involves transferring the pasta and chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, creating a uniform layer that will bake consistently. Once the base is set, generously sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses over the top, ensuring full coverage for that cheesy, golden crust.
Baking to Perfection requires covering the dish with aluminum foil and baking it for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together while keeping the moisture in. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This final step ensures that the cheese on top melts completely and turns a beautiful golden brown, signaling that your casserole is hot and ready to enjoy.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Perfect Pasta:
Always cook your spaghetti al dente to avoid a mushy texture after baking.
Chicken Prep:
Use seasoned chicken for a deeper flavor, and consider grilling or roasting it for added smokiness.
Cheese Choices:
If you’re out of mozzarella or cheddar, try using a blend of Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Adding Veggies:
Feel free to mix in other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
Make-Ahead and Storage:
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature first, or bake slightly longer. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I Use Different Pasta?
While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute it with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne for a twist.
Is There a Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, cream of celery or cream of onion soup works well as alternatives.
How Do I Make It Spicier?
For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover tightly and freeze. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding 20-30 minutes to the baking time.
How to Make It Gluten-Free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your soups are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic comfort dish that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With its creamy, cheesy layers and tender chicken, it’s a recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply because you’re craving something cozy, this casserole delivers every time. Try it out, and you might just find it becoming a staple in your home cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thin spaghetti, cooked until al dente
- 1 pound seasoned cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups sour cream
- 10-ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 10-ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, setting it aside for later use.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Fold in the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and frozen peas, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is heated through.
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and garnish it with freshly chopped parsley. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your comforting and creamy chicken spaghetti casserole!
Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound thin spaghetti cooked until al dente
- 1 pound seasoned cooked chicken chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 2 cups sour cream
- 10- ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 10- ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, setting it aside for later use.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Fold in the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and frozen peas, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and garnish it with freshly chopped parsley. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your comforting and creamy chicken spaghetti casserole!