Introduction
Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic Italian-American pasta dish that is loved for its rich and comforting flavors. This dish features tender chicken, mushrooms, and pasta, all smothered in a creamy sauce and baked to perfection. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Creating this dish from scratch allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking and ensures a fresh and delicious meal. By following this recipe, you can master the art of making Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini at home and impress your guests with your culinary skills.
Let’s dive into the details of the ingredients you will need and the step-by-step instructions to prepare this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
To make Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Tetrazzini:
– 1 pound of chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 12 ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
– 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms
– 1/2 cup of butter
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 3 cups of chicken broth
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
– 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons of melted butter
Optional Garnish:
– Chopped fresh parsley
– Red pepper flakes
Make sure to have all the ingredients prepped and ready before you begin cooking to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Steps
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Mushrooms:
In a skillet, cook the chicken until no longer pink, then shred it using two forks. In the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms until they are golden brown and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes to make a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, mushrooms, and the creamy sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter to make the topping. Sprinkle the topping over the pasta mixture.
6. Bake:
Place the baking dish in a preheated oven and bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Variations
There are several ways to customize Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini to suit your preferences:
Vegetarian Option:
Replace the chicken with diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Cheese Lover’s Twist:
Add extra cheese to the sauce or sprinkle a layer of mozzarella on top before baking for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Spicy Kick:
Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy version of Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini turns out perfectly:
Use Rotisserie Chicken:
Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful protein option.
Al Dente Pasta:
Cook the pasta until it is al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Double the Recipe:
This dish freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for a convenient meal later on.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is a versatile and satisfying dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Experiment with different variations and toppings to make this dish your own, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends to spread the joy of homemade comfort food.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta of your choice, such as penne, rigatoni, or even egg noodles, to make this dish.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.
Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic Italian-American pasta dish featuring tender chicken, mushrooms, and pasta smothered in a rich and creamy sauce, baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
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1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
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12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
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8 ounces sliced mushrooms
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1/2 cup butter
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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3 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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Chopped fresh parsley
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Red pepper flakes
Directions
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Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Cook chicken until no longer pink, then shred. Sauté mushrooms until golden brown and set aside.
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Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour and whisk to make a roux. Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until thickened.
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Combine cooked pasta, chicken, mushrooms, and creamy sauce in a bowl. Mix well.
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Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter.
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Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until top is golden brown and sauce is bubbly.
