Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Easy Chicken Tetrazzini! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, with its creamy pasta, tender chicken, and just the right amount of flavor. I remember the first time I made it for my family; we were all gathered around the table, and the smell of savory mushrooms and melted cheese filled the air. Everyone was so excited to dig in! I love how versatile this recipe is—you can switch up the veggies or add a sprinkle of spices based on what you have on hand. Trust me, once you try this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini, it’ll quickly become your go-to recipe for cozy nights in or whenever you need a little comfort on your plate!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Easy Chicken Tetrazzini. I promise, the ingredient list is simple, and you might already have some of these staples in your kitchen!
- 12 oz spaghetti (feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free if you prefer!)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (perfect for using up leftovers!)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (I like using cremini for extra flavor)
- 1 cup chicken broth (homemade is best, but store-bought works too!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (this is where the creaminess comes from!)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the more, the merrier, right?)
- 1/2 cup green peas (frozen works just fine—no need to thaw!)
- 1/4 cup butter (unsalted is my go-to)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (this helps thicken that creamy sauce)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1 tsp onion powder (adds such a nice depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, season to your liking!)
Gather these ingredients, and let’s get ready to create some magic in the kitchen!
How to Prepare Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini! I promise, it’s super straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy, dreamy dish that everyone will adore!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps your dish cook evenly and ensures that that delicious cheesy top gets bubbly and golden. Trust me, you want that!
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
While the oven is warming up, go ahead and cook your spaghetti according to the package directions. Usually, this takes about 8-10 minutes until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain it well and set it aside. You want that pasta ready to soak up all the creamy goodness!
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, whisk in 1/4 cup of flour, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and 1 tsp of onion powder. Keep stirring for about a minute to get rid of that raw flour taste. Now, slowly pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened—this is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, your shredded chicken, sliced mushrooms, and green peas. Mix it all up until the chicken and veggies are fully coated in that luscious sauce. It should look creamy and inviting!
Step 5: Bake
Transfer your heavenly mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and the top is lightly golden. Just imagine the aroma filling your kitchen—that’s the best part!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can have this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini on your table in just about 45 minutes!
- Creamy texture: The combination of heavy cream and melted cheese creates a rich, silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
- Versatile: Feel free to switch up the veggies or protein based on what you have on hand—it’s a great way to clean out the fridge!
- Kid-friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it again for lunch or dinner the next day.
- Comfort food at its finest: It’s warm, hearty, and just what you need after a long day.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to make sure your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini turns out perfectly every time! First, don’t overcook the spaghetti; al dente is the way to go since it will continue to cook in the oven. Also, when making the sauce, whisk continuously to avoid lumps—nobody wants a clumpy sauce! If you like a bit of extra flavor, consider sautéing your mushrooms in the butter before adding the flour. It really enhances that umami goodness! And remember, you can customize this dish to your taste. Feel free to sneak in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for a pop of color and nutrition. Lastly, if you want that cheesy crust, add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top before baking. Yum!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is all baked and bubbling, let’s talk about what to serve it with! This dish is super satisfying on its own, but a few sides can really elevate your meal. I love pairing it with a crisp green salad—just toss some mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. You could also add some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a pop of color!
If you’re in the mood for something warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up all that delicious sauce. Trust me, you won’t want to leave a single drop behind! Another great option is steamed broccoli or green beans; they add a nice crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
For presentation, consider serving the Easy Chicken Tetrazzini in individual ramekins for a cozy, restaurant-style feel. Sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan on top before serving to make it look extra special. Your family or guests will be so impressed!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini fresh and delicious for those inevitable leftovers! Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, let any remaining tetrazzini cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container—this will help keep it from drying out and preserve all that creamy goodness.
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to label it with the date so you know when it was made! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it as well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or even freezer bags, and it should be good for about 2-3 months. Just remember to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to dig back in, reheating is super simple! If it’s in the fridge, you can pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If it’s frozen, I recommend letting it thaw in the refrigerator overnight first, and then reheating it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until it’s heated through. Cover it with foil to keep the top from burning while it warms up. You’ll want to check that it’s hot all the way through before diving back into this creamy delight!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s take a look at the estimated nutritional information for our delicious Easy Chicken Tetrazzini. This will give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying in each comforting bite!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But I find it helpful to know what I’m putting on my plate, especially when it’s as comforting and rewarding as this dish! Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite without a worry!
FAQ Section
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is a fantastic substitute for chicken in this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini. It’ll add a slightly different flavor, but it’s just as delicious!
Can I make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time! Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can get creative with your veggies! Bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini work wonderfully in this dish. Just sauté them a bit before mixing them into the sauce for that extra depth of flavor.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta, and make sure your flour is a gluten-free blend. It’s an easy adjustment, and you won’t lose any of that comforting flavor!
How do I know when it’s done baking?
You’ll know your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and the top has turned a lovely golden brown. It should smell absolutely heavenly! If you’re unsure, just give it a little poke with a fork to check that everything is heated through.
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini: 5 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy pasta dish with chicken, mushrooms, and a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour, garlic powder, and onion powder; stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly add chicken broth and cream; whisk until smooth.
- Add Parmesan cheese, cooked chicken, mushrooms, and peas; mix well.
- Combine the sauce with the spaghetti.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Easy Chicken Tetrazzini, Chicken Pasta, Comfort Food