Chicken Tetrazzini: A Comforting Classic for Busy Days
Are you craving something warm and comforting but pressed for time? Meet your new best friend in the kitchen: Chicken Tetrazzini! This delightful dish is perfect for those days when you want to impress your family with a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
As a passionate chef, just like my sister Patricia and I, I understand that life can get hectic. Between work, kids’ activities, and that never-ending to-do list, it’s challenging to whip up a satisfying dinner that everyone will love. Luckily, Chicken Tetrazzini offers a fantastic solution.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tetrazzini
This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is not just an average recipe; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl! It combines succulent chicken, al dente noodles, and vibrant veggies all bathed in a luscious sauce. And, let’s be real, who doesn’t appreciate a dish that gets better with leftovers? Trust me, this Chicken Tetrazzini is a surefire winner for busy nights and casual family gatherings alike.
Ingredients
Ready to gather your ingredients? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Steps to Culinary Magic
Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe!
-
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Chicken Tetrazzini is perfectly baked and golden brown.
-
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and mushrooms, sautéing until they’re tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Oh, how those aromas will fill your kitchen!
-
Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, sour cream, milk, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. This creamy mixture is the secret to a drool-worthy dish!
-
Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the sautéed veggies, shredded chicken, and frozen peas. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and gently fold everything together. That’s right; become one with your pasta.
-
Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and the cheddar cheese on top. Because, let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better!
-
Bake: Pop your casserole into the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Take a moment to get lost in that heavenly aroma swirling around your kitchen.
-
Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Scoop onto plates and watch as your family dives in with delight!
Cooking Tips
- Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time. Simply cover it with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
- Leftovers are an Advantage: Leftover Chicken Tetrazzini makes for an amazing lunch the next day! Just reheat and enjoy—this dish tastes even better the second time around.
- Picky Eater Fix: If you have a picky eater in the family, feel free to swap in their favorite veggies or even add some cooked bacon for an extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use turkey or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
How can I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Just leave out the chicken and add more veggies or even tofu to give it that hearty feel.
With this Chicken Tetrazzini recipe, you’re not just cooking; you’re creating memories around the dinner table, one cheesy bite at a time. There’s something beautiful about gathering with loved ones over a delicious meal that warms the heart and fills the belly. So, grab that apron, and let’s cook up some joy together!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out other cozy favorites like Creamy Mushroom Pasta or Classic Mac and Cheese. Here’s to delicious meals and happy memories!
This Chicken Tetrazzini is the perfect recipe for a comforting family night. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will become your go-to meal. Try it today!
Meta Description
Chicken Tetrazzini is the perfect recipe for busy days. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will become your go-to meal. Try it today!
Chicken Tetrazzini
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and mushrooms, sautéing until they’re tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, sour cream, milk, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed veggies, shredded chicken, and frozen peas. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and gently fold everything together.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and the cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Scoop onto plates and serve.