Chicken Tetrazzini
A rich and creamy baked pasta casserole with tender chicken and mushrooms in a luscious sherry cream sauce. Topped with golden, bubbly cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, it's the ultimate comfort food for a cozy family dinner.
For 6 servings
8 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (3-quart) baking dish. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes, until the bottoms are browned. Then, stir and continue to cook until they are well-browned all over and their liquid has evaporated, about 8-10 minutes total. Remove mushrooms from the pot and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pot. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 4
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic
- a.Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the dry sherry, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the half-and-half, until the mixture is smooth.
- 5
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently
- a.Let it gently bubble for 5-7 minutes, until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and stir in 3/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, 1.5 tsp salt, and 0.75 tsp pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and reserved sautéed mushrooms to the pot with the sauce. Gently toss with tongs until everything is evenly coated.
- 7
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer
- a.In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a shortcut, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. You'll need about 3-4 cups of shredded meat.
- 2Don't overcook the pasta initially. Cooking it al dente prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
- 3Browning the mushrooms properly is key to developing a deep, savory flavor. Don't overcrowd the pan.
- 4Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce set and makes for cleaner slices.
- 5Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- 6For an extra rich sauce, you can substitute heavy cream for the half-and-half.
Adapt it for your goals.
Seafood Tetrazzini
Replace the chicken with 1.5 lbs of cooked shrimp, crab meat, or a combination of seafood. Add it to the sauce at the same time as the pasta.
Vegetable LoadedVegetable-Loaded
Stir in 1 cup of steamed green peas, chopped broccoli florets, or sautéed bell peppers along with the chicken and mushrooms for added nutrients and color.
Turkey TetrazziniTurkey Tetrazzini
This is a fantastic way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Simply substitute the cooked chicken with an equal amount of shredded turkey.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the salt and pepper for a touch of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Energy Boost
The carbohydrates from the pasta provide a significant source of energy, fueling your brain and body for daily activities.
Supports Bone Health
The Parmesan cheese and half-and-half contribute calcium and phosphorus, essential minerals for developing and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A typical 1.5 cup serving of Chicken Tetrazzini contains approximately 650-750 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the dairy and chicken.