Looking for a comforting meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this mouthwatering Chicken Tetrazzini recipe. Bursting with creamy goodness and hearty flavors, this dish is a guaranteed hit with family and friends alike. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to please. Let’s dive into the details of creating this delightful culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
- 16 ounces linguini, cooked according to package directions
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, gather your ingredients and equipment.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Incorporate Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked and chopped chicken breasts to the sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Next, add the cooked linguini to the bowl and toss until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the creamy chicken and pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch glass baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. For an extra flavorful touch, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the chicken tetrazzini from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then dish out generous servings to your eager diners.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Calories: 645 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8 servings
Serving Tips:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the chicken tetrazzini just before serving to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
- Pair with a Side Salad: Serve this creamy pasta bake alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
- Add a Bread Basket: Accompany the dish with a basket of warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for mopping up the delicious sauce.
- Individual Portions: Consider serving the chicken tetrazzini in individual ramekins for a stylish presentation at dinner parties or gatherings.
- Customize with Toppings: Allow guests to customize their servings with additional toppings such as crushed red pepper flakes, chopped green onions, or diced tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken tetrazzini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat larger quantities in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
- Freezing: This chicken tetrazzini dish freezes well. Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: Thaw frozen chicken tetrazzini in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen, but ensure thorough reheating to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the chicken tetrazzini ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until ready to bake. This is a great option for busy weeknights or when hosting guests, as it allows you to simply pop it in the oven when needed.
Variations:
- Vegetable Medley: Boost the nutritional content by adding sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and spinach to the chicken tetrazzini mixture before baking. This adds color, flavor, and an extra dose of vitamins to the dish.
- Seafood Twist: For a seafood lover’s delight, substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp, crab meat, or a combination of both. You can also add some seafood seasoning or Old Bay seasoning to the sauce for a hint of coastal flavor.
- Alfredo Style: Swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to create a luscious Alfredo-style sauce. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and a splash of white wine for extra flavor.
- Cheesy Delight: Experiment with different types of cheese to create a unique flavor profile. Try using sharp cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère cheese in place of or in addition to the mozzarella and parmesan for a cheesy indulgence.
- Spicy Kick: Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a little extra spice in their meals.
- Gluten-Free Option: Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that all other ingredients, such as the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, are also gluten-free certified.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to tailor the flavor to your preference. Consider adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for an aromatic touch.
- Creamy Pesto: Incorporate homemade or store-bought pesto sauce into the creamy mixture for a burst of herbal goodness. The combination of basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese adds depth and richness to the dish.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- How long does it take to cook Chicken Tetrazzini? Ans: The cooking time for Chicken Tetrazzini is approximately 40 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
- Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe? Ans: Yes, leftover cooked chicken works perfectly for Chicken Tetrazzini. Simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and incorporate it into the creamy sauce mixture.
- Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time? Ans: Absolutely! You can prepare Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until ready to bake. This is convenient for busy weeknights or when hosting guests.
- How should I store leftover Chicken Tetrazzini? Ans: Store any leftover Chicken Tetrazzini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini? Ans: Yes, Chicken Tetrazzini freezes well. Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- What type of pasta is best for Chicken Tetrazzini? Ans: Linguini is traditionally used for Chicken Tetrazzini due to its long, slender shape, which pairs well with the creamy sauce. However, you can also use other pasta shapes such as fettuccine or spaghetti.
- Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini gluten-free? Ans: Yes, you can make Chicken Tetrazzini gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that all other ingredients, such as the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, are also gluten-free certified.
- Can I customize the recipe with additional ingredients? Ans: Absolutely! Chicken Tetrazzini is versatile, and you can customize it by adding vegetables, seafood, different types of cheese, or herbs and seasonings according to your taste preferences.
- How do I reheat Chicken Tetrazzini? Ans: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat larger quantities in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. Ensure thorough reheating to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Is Chicken Tetrazzini suitable for a large gathering? Ans: Yes, Chicken Tetrazzini is a great dish for feeding a crowd. Simply double or triple the recipe as needed and bake in larger baking dishes or multiple pans to accommodate more servings.
With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time. Give it a try and watch as it earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
