There’s something just so comforting about a creamy, cheesy pasta dish, and let me tell you, Chicken Tetrazzini has a special place in my heart (and my stomach!). I first tried it at a friend’s dinner party, and I was instantly smitten. The blend of tender chicken, rich cream, and savory flavors all baked together with gooey melted cheese? Pure magic!
If you’re looking for a dinner option that’s not only simple but also a crowd-pleaser, this is the one. I love whipping it up when I have leftover chicken from a roast or a rotisserie — it’s like the gift that keeps on giving! The best part? You can have it prepped in no time and baking while you prepare for your guests, or simply relax with a glass of wine. So, let’s get cooking!
What’s in Easy Chicken Tetrazzini?
Spaghetti or Linguine: These are the classic pasta choices for Tetrazzini; I usually go for spaghetti because it’s my favorite, but linguine works perfectly too! Make sure to cook it al dente since it’ll cook more in the oven.
Cooked Chicken: My go-to is shredded rotisserie chicken — talk about a time-saver! You can also use leftover chicken from any meal, and it gives you that extra bit of flavor.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add earthiness and depth to the dish. I love using button or cremini mushrooms; they soak up the cream beautifully.
Onion: Chopped onion adds sweetness and flavor. I generally prefer yellow onions, but feel free to use white or even shallots for a gourmet twist.
Garlic: Oh, the fragrant delight of garlic! Minced fresh garlic is the way to go, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
Chicken Broth: This is your flavor base, and I always opt for low-sodium broth. It keeps things healthy and lets you control the seasoning.
Heavy Cream: The star of the show! Cream brings everything together, making the dish rich and luxurious.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that ooey-gooey top layer! Always use real mozzarella for the best melt.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: This adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the creaminess beautifully. Plus, who doesn’t love a crispy cheesy top?
Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil for sautéing the veggies adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Thyme: These spices add depth to the dish — nothing says comfort like those aromatic flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, don’t skimp on these! Trust your taste buds.
Fresh Parsley: Just for garnish, but let me tell you, it makes everything look fancy!
Is Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Good for You?
Now, I won’t pretend this dish is a kale salad, but there are definitely some good-for-you elements!
The **chicken** is a fantastic source of protein, keeping you full and satisfied. The **mushrooms** provide fiber and some vitamins, while the **onions and garlic** can give your immune system a little boost. On the other hand, we can’t ignore that **heavy cream** is calorie-dense, and there’s a good amount of cheese involved. So, maybe save this one for a cozy night in or special gathering.
For those who need to make some health swaps, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to lighten things up a bit or go for whole grain pasta for added fiber.
Ingredients List
– 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
– 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1/2 cup onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Serves:** 6
How to Make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until mushrooms are softened.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, sautéed mushrooms and onions, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
6. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips and Twists on Chicken Tetrazzini
– You can add some more veggies! Spinach or peas stir in beautifully for extra color and nutrients.
– Want to spice things up a bit? A dash of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes can give it that little kick you’re looking for.
– If you want to make it a bit cheesy (because why not?), try mixing in some cream cheese for an even creamier base.
– This dish is perfect for meal prepping, just store it in an airtight container after it cools. It also freezes well!
Alright, friends, grab those ingredients, and let’s dive into this creamy comfort! I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so don’t forget to share your experience or any tweaks you made. Happy cooking!
