Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe for a Hearty Weeknight Meal

Nestled between comfort and indulgence, this chicken tetrazzini recipe promises a creamy, luxurious pasta experience that delights the senses.

Tender strips of chicken mingle with al dente pasta in a rich, velvety sauce that whispers of home-cooked perfection.

Mushrooms add an earthy depth, while a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping brings delightful texture to every forkful.

The dish combines classic Italian-American culinary traditions with simple, wholesome ingredients that anyone can master.

Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, creating a decadent layer of flavor that elevates this classic casserole.

Weeknight dinners never looked so impressive or tasted so incredible.

Grab your skillet and get ready to savor every single bite of this ultimate comfort food masterpiece.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Tetrazzini

• Kitchen Preparation Warm up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees, creating the perfect environment for this delicious dish.
• Pasta Foundation Cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, then set aside as your delicious base.
• Mushroom Magic Melt butter in a skillet and sauté mushrooms until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their rich earthy flavors.
• Creamy Sauce Creation Sprinkle flour into the skillet and slowly pour in chicken broth and cream, whisking until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Flavor Fusion Fold in tender chicken pieces, sharp parmesan, tangy sour cream, and a dash of seasoning to elevate the sauce's complexity.
• Pasta Merger Gently combine the cooked spaghetti with the luxurious sauce, ensuring every strand is beautifully coated.
• Baking Brilliance Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish, crown with a crispy breadcrumb topping, and bake until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with deliciousness.
• Serving Celebration Remove from the oven and let the aroma fill your kitchen, signaling a comforting meal ready to be enjoyed.

Tips & Additions for Chicken Tetrazzini

• Swap spaghetti with other pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne for a fun twist on this classic dish.
• Replace chicken with turkey, shrimp, or ham to create a delightful variation that keeps the recipe exciting.
• Add roasted bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to increase nutritional value and add extra color and texture to the casserole.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or monterey jack to elevate the flavor profile and create a unique taste experience.
• Mix panko breadcrumbs with herbs like thyme or parsley, and add a sprinkle of extra parmesan for a crunchier, more flavorful golden-brown crust.

Serving Chicken Tetrazzini

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta dish.
• Create Family-Style Meal: Place the baking dish directly on the table for a warm, inviting family dinner experience that encourages sharing.
• Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful color contrast.
• Complement with White Wine: Offer a chilled glass of chardonnay or pinot grigio to enhance the creamy texture and savory notes of the chicken tetrazzini.

Storing Chicken Tetrazzini Properly

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken tetrazzini in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and food safety.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Package individual or family-sized portions in freezer-safe containers. Chicken tetrazzini can freeze successfully for 2-3 months, providing a convenient make-ahead dinner option.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen tetrazzini overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sauce separation.
• Revive Texture Tricks: When reheating, sprinkle fresh breadcrumbs or grated parmesan on top to refresh the crispy surface. Stir gently midway through reheating to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 574 kcal

Servings: 7

Chicken Tetrazzini Ingredient List

• Spaghetti: Provides hearty foundation for the casserole, choose premium quality pasta for best texture and flavor.

• Cooked Chicken, Parmesan Cheese, Sour Cream: Create rich, satisfying layers of protein and tangy creaminess, select tender, well-seasoned chicken and freshly grated parmesan for maximum taste.

• Butter, Flour, Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Mushrooms: Craft silky, luxurious sauce that holds everything together, opt for fresh button or cremini mushrooms and full-fat cream for depth of flavor.

• Bread Crumbs, Salt, Pepper: Add crispy golden texture and balanced seasoning, use panko bread crumbs for extra crunch and freshly ground black pepper for vibrant taste.

Tools for Chicken Tetrazzini

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing mushrooms and creating a creamy sauce.
• Baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking the tetrazzini.
• Colander: Helps drain the cooked spaghetti quickly and easily.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board: Useful for any preliminary chopping or preparation.
• Chef's knife: Helps with slicing mushrooms or chicken if needed.

Luxurious Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade chicken tetrazzini delivers classic comfort with creamy pasta layers and tender poultry nestled in a rich, cheesy sauce. Hearty comfort emerges from carefully blended ingredients that welcome diners into a satisfying culinary experience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (340 grams) cooked chicken, chopped
• 12 oz (340 grams) spaghetti
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (57 grams) butter
• ¼ cup (60 grams) sour cream
• ½ cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup (85 grams) mushrooms, sliced
• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60 grams) bread crumbs
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and position rack in the center for even cooking.
2. Pasta Foundation: Cook spaghetti in generously salted water until perfectly al dente, drain, and reserve.
3. Flavor Development: In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms in butter until they release moisture and caramelize, creating a deep, savory base.
4. Sauce Crafting: Sprinkle flour over mushrooms, creating a roux, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until the mixture transforms into a velvety, smooth sauce.
5. Protein and Cheese Integration: Incorporate cooked chicken, parmesan, sour cream, salt, and pepper into the sauce, stirring until harmoniously blended.
6. Pasta Coating: Fold spaghetti into the creamy mixture, ensuring each strand is thoroughly enrobed with the luxurious sauce.
7. Baking Ensemble: Transfer the complete mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, top with bread crumbs for a crisp, golden crust.
8. Final Transformation: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole bubbles enthusiastically and the bread crumb topping achieves a rich, golden-brown hue.
9. Resting Period: Allow the dish to rest 5-10 minutes before serving, permitting flavors to meld and sauce to set perfectly.

Notes

• Choose the Right Pasta: Select spaghetti or linguine for authentic texture, ensuring even sauce coverage and traditional Tetrazzini experience.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk sauce ingredients slowly and consistently to create a smooth, creamy base without unwanted lumps or graininess.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Sauté mushrooms until golden and moisture evaporates, concentrating their rich, earthy taste throughout the dish.
• Crumb Topping Tips: Use panko or seasoned bread crumbs for extra crunch, spreading evenly to guarantee a perfectly crispy golden-brown surface.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 574
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 692 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 109 mg