Description
Classic Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting baked pasta casserole featuring tender spaghetti, shredded chicken, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a golden cheesy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a family dinner or cozy meal, this American favorite blends rich flavors and satisfying textures baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
- Make Roux and Sauce: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the sauce is flavorful and creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked shredded chicken and the al dente spaghetti to the sauce. Toss thoroughly until the chicken and pasta are evenly coated with the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey for chicken if preferred for a different flavor or to use leftovers.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce fat content.
- Add green peas or chopped spinach to the sauce for additional vegetables and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
