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Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta


  • Author: Miya
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy and flavorful Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta:

  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 large chicken breasts)
  • 8 oz (about 225g) spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil (or 1 teaspoon fresh basil)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken: The shredded chicken provides the protein base for the dish, making it filling and satisfying.
  • Pasta: Spaghetti or fettuccine pasta works best for this recipe, but feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer.
  • Mushrooms: Mushrooms add an earthy flavor and texture to the dish, complementing the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
  • Heavy Cream: The heavy cream creates the rich, velvety sauce that makes Chicken Tetrazzini so comforting.
  • Parmesan and Mozzarella: A combination of Parmesan and mozzarella gives the dish its cheesy, golden finish and balances the rich flavors of the sauce.
  • Seasonings: Garlic, thyme, and basil add depth and freshness to the dish, while a pinch of nutmeg adds an unexpected but delightful hint of spice.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven later. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, you can quickly do so by pan-searing chicken breasts in a bit of olive oil over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Prepare the Roux: In the same skillet with the mushrooms and onions, sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This step thickens the sauce and helps achieve that creamy texture.
  2. Add the Liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. Once the broth is incorporated, pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken, which should take about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the Cheese and Seasoning: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, basil, and nutmeg (if using), and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if necessary.

Combine and Bake:

  1. Assemble the Tetrazzini: Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to combine until everything is coated in the creamy mixture.
  2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the Chicken Tetrazzini for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. If you like a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Once the Chicken Tetrazzini is out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6-8
  • Calories: 450-500
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 30g