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Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole

Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole
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Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish featuring tender chicken, mushrooms, and spaghetti combined in a luscious, cheesy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals, this crowd-pleasing recipe is easy to prepare, adaptable to your taste, and ideal for families and leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (leftover or rotisserie chicken works well)

Pasta

  • 8 ounces spaghetti or thin pasta

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups milk or cream (use cream for richer sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)

Cheese and Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for crispy topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta and Chicken: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. If using raw chicken, cook thoroughly by sautéing or roasting, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant and softened. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and begin to brown.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to form a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs such as thyme or parsley.
  4. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken and drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and the chicken is evenly distributed.
  5. Transfer and Bake: Spoon the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. For extra texture, scatter breadcrumbs evenly over the top if desired. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is golden and bubbly on top.

Notes

  • Use day-old pasta if possible to prevent mushiness during baking.
  • Don’t skip the roux step to ensure a thick, velvety sauce.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving to brighten the flavors.
  • For crunchy toppings, try mixing breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or nuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Tetrazzini, casserole, creamy chicken pasta, baked chicken pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/chicken-tetrazzini-casserole/