Nothing beats a warm bowl of pasta when the day just drags on and on. Chicken Tetrazzini is that kinda dish that feels like a hug from grandma its creamy chicken mixed with noodles then baked with cheese to a gooey golden top.
Its got its name from Luisa Tetrazzini an opera singer who was loved by people in San Francisco. Folks started ordering it after shows and soon it was in homes everywher. You can swap in peas or mushrooms or change the chicken for turkey if you want.
Life’s busy and we need simple meals that still taste good. This Chicken Tetrazzini takes under an hour, with just a few steps. Read on to find out the story, why it's great for busy nights, and a easy recipe you can tweak any way you like.
What is Chicken Tetrazzini?
Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy pasta bake that started in the early 1900s. Its named after a famous Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini. It first got big in San Francisco and people loved to eat it after shows. The usual recipe mixes cooked chicken with a creamy mushroom soup sauce, then stirs in noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti and tops it all off with cheese before baking it.
Over the years cooks made all sorts of tweaks to it. Some add peas or mushrooms or even peppers. Others swap in turkey or ham to keep things fresh. This dish is so flexible you can pick what you like or stick to diets that are gluten free or low fat.
Besides tasting good, Chicken Tetrazzini can be good for you if you use lean chicken and veggies. It has protein, vitamins and minerals all in one dish. And the best part is you dont need hours in the kitchen to make it.
Why Choose Easy Chicken Tetrazzini?
In our busy lives we often dont have time for fussy dinners. Thats where Easy Chicken Tetrazzini comes in. It only takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and doesnt require a ton of ingredients.
Its also super flexible. If someone at home is veggie or has gluten issues you can easily swap ingredients. Use gluten free pasta or extra veggies if you want a meat free version.
Plus you get leftovers that taste even better the next day. Just pop them in the oven or microwave and you got a hot meal without extra work. Thats why so many families love this dish.
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Here are the main items you need and some extra things you might want:
Main Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken: about 3 cups, shredded or cut in cubes
- Pasta: 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti (any kind you like)
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 2 cups (or use homemade sauce)
- Broth: 1 cup chicken or veggie broth
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan
- Vegetables: 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen), plus other veggies if you want
- Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Extra Veggies: spinach, bell peppers or whatever you like
- Other Proteins: turkey or ham for a change
- Different Cheeses: cheddar or gouda for a new taste
Recommended Cooking Tools
- Oven-safe or casserole dish
- Pot to boil the pasta
- Big bowl for mixing stuff together
- Spatula or spoon to spread the mix
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Ingredients (Detailed List)
- Cooked Chicken: 3 cups shredded
- Pasta: 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 2 cups
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup shredded
- Peas: 1 cup (fresh or frozen)
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp
- Onion Powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: to taste
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (if you wanna saute veggies)
Directions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a pot, add salt, then pasta. Cook like the box says until its just soft but still firm. Drain and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a big bowl combine chicken, mushroom soup, broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Add the cooked pasta and peas and stir until everythng is coated.
- Assemble the Dish: Grease your baking dish or spray with oil. Pour the mixture in and spread it out. Sprinkle cheese on top so you get that gooey layer.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then take off the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and a little brown. Let it rest a few minutes before you serve.
Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Tetrazzini
- Try different cheeses like gouda or cheddar for a twist.
- Add a splash of cream if you want it more rich.
- Dont overcook the pasta cuz it will get mushy in the oven.
- For crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Variations on Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Vegetarian Version
Swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten free pasta or zucchini noodles to make it gluten free.
Quick Dish Version
Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store to save time.
Dairy-Free Version
Use a coconut milk soup and dairy free cheese if you need no milk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta makes it mushy after baking.
- Not adding enough salt and pepper can make it bland.
- Using too much liquid makes the casserole runny.
- Forgetting to let it cool makes it hard to cut and serve.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing and reheating your Chicken Tetrazzini right helps keep it tasty.
How to Properly Store Leftovers
Let it cool down first then put in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Recommended Methods for Reheating
Best is to bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. You can use the microwave but it might dry out.
How Long Will It Last in the Fridge or Freezer?
In the fridge it keeps for 3-4 days. For longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight then reheat.
FAQs
- Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time? Yes you can mix it up a day early and keep in the fridge until your ready to bake.
- What other proteins can I add? You could try turkey, ham or even shrimp for a fun change.
- Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini? Yes it freezes well for up to 3 months, just use a freezer safe container.
- How do I modify the recipe for a smaller portion? Cut all the ingrediants in half and adjust cooking time if needed.
- What can I serve with Chicken Tetrazzini? It goes great with salad, garlic bread or some steamed veggies.
Conclusion
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is one of those meals thats simple, tasty and works for family dinners or when you got friends over. Its quick to make and you can change it up with what you like. Give it a try and let us know what twist you added in the comments.
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Baking dish (9x13 inches)
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup cooked peas Frozen or fresh.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional.
- fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté until they are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, peas, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with mushrooms and pour the chicken mixture over it. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with cheddar cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
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