Decadent Chicken Tetrazzini Recipes for Cozy Nights

The aroma of melting cheese and savory chicken wafts through the air, creating an experience that is nothing short of heavenly. Picture this: a creamy, rich sauce enveloping tender noodles, all topped with a golden crust that beckons you to dive right in. That’s the magic of chicken tetrazzini recipes, a dish that transforms humble ingredients into a comforting masterpiece.

Every time I whip up chicken tetrazzini, I’m flooded with memories of cozy family dinners where laughter filled the room. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a ticket to nostalgia and warmth, perfect for gatherings or quiet nights when you need a little comfort on your plate. Trust me, once you taste this dish, your taste buds will be dancing with joy.

There was that one unforgettable Thanksgiving when my cousin Jenna took one bite and declared it the “best thing since sliced bread.” Her dramatic reaction was enough to make anyone want seconds—and thirds—of this delightful dish.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Pasta: I recommend using fettuccine or spaghetti for that delightful chewy texture.

• Fresh Mushrooms: Opt for cremini or button mushrooms for their earthy flavor—don’t skip these!

• Onion: A medium onion will add sweetness when sautéed; just slice it thinly.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they impart a wonderful aroma throughout cooking.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.

• Heavy Cream: For that rich creaminess that makes this dish so indulgent; don’t skimp on this!

• Shredded Cheese: A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan adds a gooey topping that’s simply irresistible.

• Frozen Peas: These little green gems add color and sweetness—plus they cook quickly!

• Breadcrumbs: Use panko for extra crunch on top; they make all the difference in texture.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness without compromising on flavor.

• Dried Thyme: A touch of dried thyme lifts the overall flavor profile beautifully; fresh works too if you have it!

• Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up the entire dish; trust me, it’s worth squeezing in!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make chicken tetrazzini recipes

Cook the Pasta and Chicken : Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s bubbling like a hot spring, add your pasta and cook until al dente—about 8-10 minutes should do it! Meanwhile, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper before cooking them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.

Sauté Vegetables : In that same skillet (because we love less mess), toss in diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re fragrant and translucent—this usually takes around 5 minutes. Then add sliced mushrooms and let those sweat out their delicious juices.

Create the Sauce : Pour in chicken broth along with heavy cream into the skillet. Let it simmer like it’s on vacation for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Don’t forget to stir occasionally—nobody wants burnt bits ruining our feast!

Add Chicken and Pasta : Chop your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding them along with drained pasta into the sauce mixture. Fold gently to coat everything evenly in that creamy goodness—you want every noodle to feel loved.

Toss in Frozen Peas : Add frozen peas straight from the bag into your casserole mix—they’ll thaw perfectly while baking! Give everything one last gentle stir before transferring it into a greased baking dish.

Bake Until Golden Brown : Top with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs before popping your baking dish into an oven preheated at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden—a visual feast waiting to happen!

Now that seems simple enough, right? It’s like taking a culinary walk in the park—only with way more deliciousness involved!

And there you have it! Your very own homemade chicken tetrazzini ready to impress friends or family—or just yourself after a long day! Enjoy every cheesy bite as memories fill your kitchen once again.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by cooking your pasta until al dente while sautéing onions and garlic. Once aromatic, add in cooked chicken and your favorite veggies before mixing everything with the creamy sauce. This order ensures flavors meld beautifully without overcooking anything.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan to elevate the creaminess. Adding spices such as smoked paprika can also enhance depth in flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover tetrazzini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to keep it creamy, then warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Reflecting on my first attempt at chicken tetrazzini brings back memories of my friend’s rave reviews. They couldn’t believe I whipped up such comfort food magic on a weeknight!

FAQ

How long does chicken tetrazzini last in the fridge?

Chicken tetrazzini can last up to three days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze chicken tetrazzini?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.

What can I substitute for cream in chicken tetrazzini recipes?

Try using Greek yogurt or sour cream as a healthier alternative to heavy cream.

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Chicken Tetrazzini

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Indulge in the creamy goodness of Chicken Tetrazzini, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, transforming simple ingredients into a meal that warms the heart and pleases the palate.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately six people 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
• 8 oz fresh mushrooms (cremini or button)
• 1 medium onion (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, season chicken with salt and pepper; cook over medium heat until golden brown. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.
4. In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until softened.
5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in chopped chicken, cooked pasta, frozen peas, soy sauce, thyme, and lemon juice until well combined.
7. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For added flavor, try using different cheeses like Gouda or cheddar. Substitute cooked turkey or sautéed vegetables for a twist on this classic recipe. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.