Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini: The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Casserole Recipe
Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this incredibly rich and creamy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe! This classic casserole, bursting with tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, a decadent savory sauce, and melted cheese, is the epitome of a satisfying family meal. It’s a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings warmth to any dinner table, making it a perfect choice for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet simple to prepare.
What truly makes this Chicken Tetrazzini a weeknight hero is its clever use of pre-cooked chicken from the freezer or yesterday’s leftovers. This simple shortcut dramatically cuts down on preparation time, transforming a potentially lengthy cooking process into a quick and easy endeavor. Whether you’re whipping up stovetop meals, hearty soups, or comforting casseroles like this one, having cooked chicken ready to go is a game-changer for efficient meal planning. Imagine a delicious, homemade dinner on the table in under an hour – that’s the magic of this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Chicken Tetrazzini isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire:
- A Timeless Comfort Food: There’s something undeniably nostalgic and comforting about a creamy, cheesy pasta bake. Tetrazzini hits all the right notes, offering a warm embrace in every forkful. It’s the kind of dish that gathers everyone around the table, fostering connection and delicious memories.
- Effortless Weeknight Dinner Solution: Life gets hectic, and cooking shouldn’t add to the stress. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. By utilizing pre-cooked chicken, you skip a major cooking step, allowing you to focus on assembling this delightful casserole quickly and efficiently.
- Incredibly Versatile and Adaptable: While the core recipe is fantastic as is, Chicken Tetrazzini is wonderfully forgiving and open to customization. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add a wider array of vegetables, or even swap out the pasta type to suit your family’s preferences. It’s a great way to use up ingredients you already have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers: Planning meals in advance or having delicious leftovers to look forward to is a huge plus. This casserole holds up beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for freezing individual portions or enjoying for lunch the next day. Its flavors deepen over time, making reheating a treat.
What Exactly is Chicken Tetrazzini?
For those unfamiliar, Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic American pasta dish, believed to be named after the Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini. It typically features diced or shredded poultry (chicken or turkey) and spaghetti or other thin pasta, combined with a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce. The mixture is then baked, often with a breadcrumb or cheese topping, until bubbly and golden brown. Our version streamlines this traditional recipe for modern home cooks, focusing on simple ingredients and straightforward steps to deliver maximum flavor without the extra effort.
If you’re looking for a homemade touch and prefer to avoid canned soups, this recipe is still for you! You can easily prepare a simple homemade white sauce (béchamel) and sautéed fresh mushrooms to achieve a similar creamy base. This alternative allows for a fresher flavor profile while maintaining the desired richness and consistency of the Tetrazzini. We’ll touch on how to do this in the ingredients and tips section.
Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Chicken Tetrazzini
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Ingredients
- 10 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese, for sauce
- 1 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese, for topping
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 10 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 10 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 soup can of milk
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- salt & pepper to taste
- non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
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Cook 10 ounces spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
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Chop or shred 2 cups cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
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Dice 1 onion and 1 red bell pepper into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and distribution.
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In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red pepper, then sauté until they are tender and slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to develop a rich flavor base for the casserole.
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In a very large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, sautéed onion and bell pepper, 2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese (for the sauce), 10 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup, 10 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 soup can of milk, and the chopped cooked chicken. Stir gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the spaghetti is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
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Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the chicken tetrazzini mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese generously over the top of the casserole.
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Bake the uncovered casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
Nutrition per serving
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Tips for Making the Best Chicken Tetrazzini
To ensure your Chicken Tetrazzini turns out perfectly creamy, flavorful, and comforting every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your spaghetti until it’s just al dente, meaning it’s firm to the bite. Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking it on the stovetop will prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
- Use Quality Cooked Chicken: Whether it’s freshly roasted, leftover from a holiday meal, or chicken prepared in bulk and frozen, ensure your chicken is tender and flavorful. Shredding or dicing it into uniform, bite-sized pieces ensures even distribution throughout the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables for Depth of Flavor: Don’t skip sautéing the onion and bell pepper in butter. This step softens the vegetables and allows their natural sugars to caramelize slightly, adding a wonderful depth of flavor to the overall dish. You can also add minced garlic during this step for an extra aromatic kick.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Beyond onion and bell pepper, feel free to add other vegetables to boost nutrition and flavor. Sautéed mushrooms (as mentioned in the original tip), frozen peas (stirred in at the end with the sauce), diced celery, or even steamed broccoli florets are all excellent additions.
- Consider a Homemade Sauce: If you’re not a fan of condensed soups or simply prefer a fresher taste, you can absolutely make a homemade creamy sauce. A classic béchamel sauce (roux made from butter and flour, then whisked with milk) seasoned with a pinch of nutmeg and white pepper can be a fantastic substitute. Simply add sautéed mushrooms to your béchamel for the cream of mushroom component.
- Cheese Choices: While Cheddar Jack offers a great balance of sharp and mild, feel free to experiment. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella can elevate the cheesy goodness of your tetrazzini.
- Season Generously: Don’t forget to season the entire mixture with salt and pepper to taste before baking. A little bit of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of paprika can also enhance the flavors.
- Rest Before Serving: After taking the casserole out of the oven, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny, making for cleaner serving.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple side dish can elevate your dinner experience:
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Crusty Bread: Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli make a healthy and easy accompaniment.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted root vegetables like carrots or potatoes can add another layer of hearty goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Tetrazzini
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Chicken Tetrazzini:
- Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking) and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
- Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?
- Yes, Chicken Tetrazzini freezes beautifully! You can freeze it baked or unbaked. For unbaked: assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. For baked: allow the cooked casserole to cool completely, then portion into individual freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thawed portions in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- What kind of chicken is best for Tetrazzini?
- Any cooked chicken works perfectly! Rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken or turkey, or chicken breasts/thighs that you’ve boiled, baked, or pan-fried and then shredded or diced are all excellent choices. The key is to have it pre-cooked for convenience.
- What if I don’t like condensed soups?
- No problem! You can easily create a rich, creamy sauce from scratch. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk or chicken broth until smooth and thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. For the “mushroom” flavor, sauté 1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms with the onion and bell pepper, then add them to your homemade sauce base.
- Can I add other vegetables to Chicken Tetrazzini?
- Yes, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies! Besides onion and red bell pepper, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, frozen peas (stirred in with the sauce mixture), finely diced carrots or celery (sautéed with the onion), or even a handful of spinach (will wilt down in the sauce).
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
With its delightful combination of creamy pasta, tender chicken, and savory vegetables all baked to cheesy perfection, this Chicken Tetrazzini is more than just a casserole; it’s a comforting classic that simplifies mealtime. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a busy parent looking for an easy yet delicious dinner, this recipe delivers on all fronts. So, gather your ingredients, take advantage of that pre-cooked chicken, and prepare to enjoy a truly satisfying homemade meal that the whole family will adore. Happy cooking!
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