There was a time I thought chicken tetrazzini was just a fancy name for pasta with chicken, but oh, how wrong I was. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day—creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting. I still remember the first time I made it; my kitchen smelled like a cozy Italian bistro, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a bite before dinner.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook a pound of thin spaghetti according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt half a cup of butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are golden brown and tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine two cans of condensed cream of chicken soup, one cup of sour cream, and a cup of chicken broth. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the cooked spaghetti, sautéed mushrooms, and about three cups of diced or shredded cooked chicken to the soup mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle a cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thin spaghetti
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
FAQ
- Can I add fresh mushrooms to the Chicken Tetrazzini recipe?
- Yes, you can definitely add fresh mushrooms to the recipe. There’s no need to adjust any other ingredients. Just stir them in for an extra layer of flavor.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers of Chicken Tetrazzini?
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated by adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to maintain moisture. Warm it slowly in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- Can Chicken Tetrazzini be made gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make Chicken Tetrazzini gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and gluten-free cream soups. Some have successfully used GF cream soups and pasta with great results.
- Is it possible to freeze Chicken Tetrazzini, and if so, how should it be done?
- Chicken Tetrazzini can be frozen either before or after baking. If freezing after cooking, ensure it has cooled completely before wrapping tightly for the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
- What can be used as a substitute for cream of mushroom soup due to allergies?
- If you’re allergic to mushrooms, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. Both provide a similar creamy texture and flavor to the dish.
Tips
- Freeze for Later: If you find the recipe makes more than you need, consider preparing two smaller casseroles and freezing one for another day. This way, you’ll have a convenient meal ready to go without extra effort.
- Reheating Tip: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to maintain the dish’s creamy consistency. This prevents the casserole from becoming too dry.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your choice of vegetables, such as sautéed mushrooms, onions, or even peas and carrots. These additions can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Using Rotisserie Chicken: For a time-saving option, use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Ensure it’s not too small, and include both breast and thigh meat for the best flavor and texture.
Equipment
- Large Casserole Dish: To bake the tetrazzini.
- Large Pot: For boiling pasta.
- Skillet: For sautéing ingredients like mushrooms or onions, if needed.
- Cheese Grater: If you prefer freshly grated cheese.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Mixing Bowls: To combine ingredients.
