Description
Classic Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, sautéed mushrooms, peas, and a rich Parmesan sauce, all topped with mozzarella cheese and buttery breadcrumbs. This American-Italian casserole is perfect for a family meal or cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Vegetables
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the spaghetti or linguine according to the package directions until al dente, then drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms until they become tender and release their moisture, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms in the skillet and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and nutmeg if using, mixing well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Add the shredded cooked chicken, frozen peas, and cooked pasta into the sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the chicken pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer to create a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and to prevent burns.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use leftover rotisserie chicken and add a splash of white wine to the sauce during cooking.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for part of the milk to achieve a creamier texture.
- Mushrooms can be omitted or replaced with broccoli or asparagus for a different vegetable variation.
