When the aroma of chicken tetrazzini wafts through the kitchen, it’s like a warm hug on a plate. This easy chicken tetrazzini recipe is not just a dish; it’s an experience, combining tender chicken, luscious pasta, and creamy sauce into one delightful bite. Imagine twirling your fork around a plate of cheesy goodness while the garlic mingles with earthy mushrooms, making you feel all sorts of cozy inside.
Thinking back, I remember the first time I made this dish for a dinner party. My friends were skeptical at first, but their eyes lit up after the first bite. If you want to impress guests or simply indulge in a comforting meal on a chilly evening, this chicken tetrazzini easy recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy chicken tetrazzini recipe takes minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor
- The creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and pasta creates a visually appealing dish that everyone can enjoy
- You can easily adapt ingredients based on what you have at home, making it versatile for any occasion
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings with family and friends
I vividly remember my niece’s delighted expression when she took her first forkful of this creamy delight.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts to keep things simple and tender.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for that punchy flavor that makes everything better.
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Spaghetti or Fettuccine: Use your favorite type of pasta; both work beautifully in this dish.
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Cream of Mushroom Soup: This provides creaminess without needing to make a béchamel from scratch.
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Parmesan Cheese: Always add freshly grated cheese for an authentic taste that melts beautifully.
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Mushrooms: Fresh or canned, they add richness and texture to our delightful casserole.
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Frozen Peas: These little green gems brighten up the dish and add some nutritional value too.
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Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control saltiness while maintaining flavor depth.
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Panko Breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crunchy topping; we all love a bit of texture!
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Olive Oil or Butter: Essential for sautéing your veggies and adding richness to the overall flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat and Prepare Your Kitchen: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather your ingredients and spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Sauté the Chicken and Veggies: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Once hot, toss in chopped garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until fragrant and golden brown.
Add Chicken to the Mix: Dice your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the skillet along with some salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink on the outside.
Create the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with chicken broth and half of your parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined; it should be silky smooth.
Combine Everything Together : In your baking dish, combine cooked pasta, sautéed chicken and veggies, frozen peas, and creamy sauce mixture. Stir gently until everything is nicely coated.
Add Toppings and Bake Away!: Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese followed by panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top for that golden crunch. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
This easy chicken tetrazzini will surely tickle your taste buds! The creamy texture paired with savory flavors creates sheer bliss on your plate! Enjoy every last forkful as you revel in its delightful goodness!
You Must Know
- Chicken tetrazzini easy is a comforting dish that combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta
- It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings
- The aroma of garlic and cheese wafting through your kitchen will make everyone feel at home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic and onions, then cook the chicken until golden. While it simmers, prepare the pasta. This sequence ensures everything blends perfectly without becoming mushy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or even veggies for a vegetarian twist. Add spices like paprika or herbs such as thyme to elevate the flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven to retain its creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a creamier sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk
- If you prefer a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan before baking
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente for best results
Cooking this dish reminds me of my college days when friends would gather for movie nights. We’d devour an entire casserole while debating which superhero was better—Marvel or DC.
FAQ
Can I make chicken tetrazzini easy ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day before and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
You can use shredded turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water before simmering to achieve a thicker consistency.
Chicken Tetrazzini
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Chicken Tetrazzini, a creamy pasta dish that brings warmth to your table. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and cheesy goodness enveloped in a luscious sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, each bite is a delightful blend of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 cups cooked, diced boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a large baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and mushrooms until golden brown.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet; season with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with chicken broth and half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- In the baking dish, combine cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, veggies, frozen peas, and creamy sauce mixture; stir gently.
- Top with remaining Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
