Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken Tetrazzini is a cozy, comforting casserole loaded with pasta, shredded chicken, and a creamy mushroom sauce baked to bubbly perfection with gooey cheese. It’s a family-friendly dish that makes an excellent weeknight dinner, holiday leftover recipe, or freezer-friendly make-ahead meal.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• ½ cup frozen peas, thawed (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• ½ pound mushrooms, sliced
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ⅓ cups reduced sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup white wine or extra chicken broth
• 1 ⅓ cups half and half, light cream, or whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened.
4. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
6. Gradually whisk in broth, wine, cream, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Bring to a gentle boil until thickened.
7. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
8. In a large bowl, mix pasta, sauce, peas, chicken, and 1 cup mozzarella.
9. Spread into a 2-quart casserole dish. Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Uncover, top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake 10–15 minutes more until hot and bubbly.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Pair Chicken Tetrazzini with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or reheat individual servings in the microwave.
• Freezing: Assemble casserole before baking, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Meal Prep: Divide into smaller containers for quick heat-and-eat lunches.

Variations

1. Creamy Pesto Chicken Tetrazzini
Replace the Italian seasoning with basil pesto in the sauce for a fresh, herby twist. Add sun-dried tomatoes and top with mozzarella and Parmesan for extra flavor.

2. Southwest Chicken Tetrazzini
Mix in black beans, corn, and diced green chiles. Swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese and garnish with cilantro for a Tex-Mex spin.

3. Buffalo Chicken Tetrazzini
Stir buffalo wing sauce into the cream sauce and top with a mix of mozzarella and blue cheese crumbles. Perfect for game day or spice lovers.

4. Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Tetrazzini
Add chopped spinach and canned artichokes to the pasta mixture. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with these vegetables for a flavor similar to spinach-artichoke dip.

5. Lemon Garlic Chicken Tetrazzini
Enhance the sauce with lemon zest and fresh garlic. Top with parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, refreshing version.

6. Chicken and Broccoli Tetrazzini
Add lightly steamed broccoli florets to the casserole. This makes the dish heartier while sneaking in extra veggies.

7. Cajun Chicken Tetrazzini
Season the sauce with Cajun spices and add diced bell peppers. Use a mix of mozzarella and smoked gouda for a bold Southern-inspired twist.

8. Chicken Alfredo Tetrazzini
Replace the sauce base with Alfredo sauce and fold in roasted mushrooms and peas. This creates an ultra-creamy, indulgent variation.

9. Chicken Bacon Ranch Tetrazzini
Mix in crispy bacon crumbles and a spoonful of ranch seasoning. Top with cheddar cheese for a comforting, crowd-pleasing flavor.

10. Mediterranean Chicken Tetrazzini
Add kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese. Finish with fresh oregano or parsley for a Greek-inspired casserole.

11. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tetrazzini
Boost the sauce with extra garlic and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with seasoned breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy, cheesy crust.

12. Chicken Carbonara Tetrazzini
Incorporate crispy pancetta or bacon and peas into the pasta. Use Parmesan and mozzarella for a rich, carbonara-style casserole.

13. Chicken Marsala Tetrazzini
Substitute the white wine with Marsala wine and increase the mushrooms for an earthy, restaurant-style twist.

14. Chicken and Cheese Lovers Tetrazzini
Mix different cheeses such as provolone, Gruyère, or Colby Jack into the sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

15. Chicken and Zucchini Tetrazzini
Add grated or diced zucchini for a lighter vegetable-packed version. This balances the creamy sauce with freshness.

FAQs

1. Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini without cream cheese?
Yes, you can replace cream cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a slightly different but still creamy texture.

2. Can I use canned cream of mushroom soup instead of making the sauce?
Yes, but the homemade sauce has more flavor. If using soup, mix with milk or cream to keep the sauce smooth.

3. How can I make Chicken Tetrazzini more kid-friendly?
Skip the mushrooms and add milder flavors like extra mozzarella or cheddar to appeal to picky eaters.

4. Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, whole wheat spaghetti or linguine works well and adds more fiber to the dish.

5. What’s the best way to make it extra creamy?
Use whole milk or heavy cream instead of half and half, and don’t skimp on the cheese.

6. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken skin and all?
Yes, but for the best texture, remove most of the skin so the casserole doesn’t get greasy.

7. Can I bake Chicken Tetrazzini uncovered the whole time?
It’s best to cover it first to prevent drying out, then uncover at the end for a golden, bubbly topping.

8. Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients and cook on low for 3–4 hours, adding cheese at the end.

9. Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini with no wine and no broth?
Yes, replace both with milk or cream, but the flavor will be milder.

10. How do I make Chicken Tetrazzini look more appealing when serving?
Top with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and maybe a dusting of paprika for color.

Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting, creamy casserole that’s easy to make, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. With plenty of ways to customize it, this dish can be adapted for any taste or occasion. Whether you prepare it ahead, freeze it for later, or enjoy it fresh from the oven, it’s a recipe your family will ask for again and again.

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