Grandma’s Cozy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe That Warms Hearts

Luxurious chicken tetrazzini upgrades ordinary ingredients into a comforting culinary masterpiece that delights taste buds and warms hungry hearts.

Creamy pasta dishes often feel intimidating, but this recipe breaks down complex techniques into simple, approachable steps.

Rich, velvety sauces blend seamlessly with tender protein and perfectly cooked noodles, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Italian-inspired comfort food offers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that satisfy deep cravings for something hearty and delicious.

Home cooks can easily elevate their weeknight dinner game with this elegant yet uncomplicated dish that impresses family and friends alike.

Minimal preparation and straightforward ingredients make this recipe accessible to anyone wanting to create a memorable meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Chicken Tetrazzini Deserves a Spot on Your Table

• Create a Comforting Crowd-Pleaser: This chicken tetrazzini transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, luxurious casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for feeding hungry families or gathering friends together.
• Master a Foolproof Cooking Technique: The recipe offers an easy one-pan sauce method that guarantees a silky smooth texture, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish without complex skills.
• Enjoy a Versatile Weeknight Winner: Packed with tender chicken, rich mushrooms, and a velvety sauce, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal preparation time, making it an ideal solution for busy households craving a satisfying meal.

Ingredients for the Creamiest Chicken Tetrazzini

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Tender, cooked chicken adds hearty protein and main flavor to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese provides rich, salty depth to the tetrazzini.

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that creates the base of this comforting casserole.

• Butter: Rich base that helps create smooth, creamy sauce.
• Flour: Thickening agent for creating a smooth, velvety sauce texture.
• Chicken Broth: Provides savory liquid foundation for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious, rich creaminess to the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Contributes tangy richness and smooth texture.

• Mushrooms: Earthy, umami-rich vegetable that adds depth to the dish.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complements the creamy sauce.

• Bread Crumbs: Crispy topping that provides delightful crunchy texture.

Simple Steps to Chicken Tetrazzini Goodness

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and get ready for a delicious comfort meal.

Step 2: Prepare The Pasta

Cook spaghetti following package directions, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and cook mushrooms until they become tender and golden.

Step 4: Create A Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and thickens.

Step 5: Combine Protein And Cheese

• Cooked chicken
• Parmesan cheese
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until well combined.

Step 6: Mix Pasta With Sauce

Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the creamy sauce, ensuring pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle bread crumbs across the top.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Bake for 30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling with deliciousness.

Tips to Perfect Chicken Tetrazzini

• Choose High-Quality Pasta: Select thick, sturdy spaghetti that can hold the creamy sauce without becoming mushy during baking.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Stir the sauce continuously while adding broth and cream to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, velvety texture.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Sauté mushrooms until golden brown to enhance their deep, rich umami taste before mixing into the sauce.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover the baking dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to retain moisture, then uncover to achieve a crispy bread crumb topping.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with a mix of parmesan and gruyère for a more complex and indulgent flavor profile in your chicken tetrazzini.

Saving and Reheating Chicken Tetrazzini Without Drying It Out

• Refrigerate leftover chicken tetrazzini in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, warming for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, restore the dish's crispy top by reheating in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Freeze extra portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

What to Serve With Chicken Tetrazzini

• Spark a Crisp White Wine Pairing: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy chicken tetrazzini beautifully, cutting through the rich sauce with their bright, acidic notes and enhancing the dish's delicate flavors.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad Companion: Prepare a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta dish, adding a refreshing contrast and helping cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Add roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans as a nutritious side that provides a crisp texture and earthy flavor profile to match the creamy tetrazzini's complexity.
• Select a Crusty Bread Partner: Grab a warm, crusty French baguette or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, adding an extra layer of comfort and texture to the meal.

Fresh Chicken Tetrazzini Variations to Try

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with a mix of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat for an oceanic flavor profile that brings coastal elegance to the classic dish.
• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Swap chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty plant-based version.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to the sauce, then top with pepper jack cheese and crushed tortilla chips for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free spaghetti, replace wheat flour with cornstarch for thickening, and swap regular bread crumbs with gluten-free panko for a celiac-friendly meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken tetrazzini brings Italian-American comfort to dinner tables with luxurious pasta and tender chicken. Parmesan-crusted noodles intertwine with succulent meat, creating a hearty casserole that welcomes you to savor each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken (340 grams)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (57 grams) butter
• ¼ cup (60 grams) sour cream
• ½ cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Supplementary Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (85 grams) mushrooms, sliced
• ½ cup (60 grams) bread crumbs
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
2. Boil the spaghetti in salted water until perfectly al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a golden base for sautéing mushrooms.
4. Gently cook mushrooms until they release their moisture and turn tender, developing a rich, earthy flavor.
5. Dust flour over the mushrooms, stirring to create a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce.
6. Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky, consistent sauce.
7. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, developing a luxurious texture that coats the back of a spoon.
8. Fold in cooked chicken pieces, grated parmesan cheese, tangy sour cream, and season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
9. Incorporate the cooked spaghetti into the creamy mixture, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the sauce.
10. Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish, spreading evenly.
11. Sprinkle a generous layer of bread crumbs across the top, creating a crispy, golden-brown crust.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the bread crumbs turn a beautiful golden brown.
13. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy, cheesy chicken pasta casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time to make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable, especially when working with multiple components.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time and add extra flavor to this classic dish.
• Choose fresh mushrooms for the best texture and umami depth, ensuring they’re fully cooked before adding to the sauce.
• Customize the recipe by adding vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• For a crispy, golden topping, use a mix of panko and traditional bread crumbs, and consider adding a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 452 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg