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Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken Tetrazzini
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Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting and creamy Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender chicken, spaghetti, mushrooms, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. This versatile, family-friendly dish is perfect for easy weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing gatherings, offering warmth and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 8 ounces spaghetti

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced

Sauce Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups milk or cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Topping and Seasoning

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta and Prepare Chicken: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain. Use leftover cooked chicken or quickly cook and shred chicken breasts for a tender protein base.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and soften, providing rich flavor and texture.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables and stir continuously to form a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, simmering until it thickens into a luscious sauce. Stir in Parmesan and shredded cheese to melt completely, creating a rich, cheesy base.
  4. Combine Everything: Mix the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken into the sauce, ensuring every strand of pasta and piece of chicken is coated with the creamy blend. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top for a crunchy finish, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use day-old pasta to prevent mushiness during baking.
  • Do not overcook mushrooms to maintain their texture.
  • Whisk continuously when adding broth and milk to ensure a smooth sauce.
  • Choose cheeses based on desired flavor and meltiness: mozzarella for stretch, Parmesan for sharpness, cheddar for richness.
  • Let the baked Tetrazzini rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Tetrazzini, creamy pasta casserole, baked chicken pasta, cheesy casserole, comfort food, Italian-American dish

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/chicken-tetrazzini/