Oh, Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini—where do I even start? This dish is a true showstopper. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to take your time, savoring every bite. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a decadent, velvety sauce all come together in one dish, topped with a golden, bubbly cheese crust. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance, making it perfect for both cozy nights in and dinner parties where you want to impress.
The best part? You get that rich, comforting feeling of a homemade casserole, but with a little extra flair. Think of it as your favorite pasta dish dressed up in its finest clothes. The sauce is creamy, packed with flavor, and just the right balance of savory and cheesy. And then there are the crispy bits of golden cheese on top—pure magic. This is the kind of meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini
You’re going to fall in love with this one, and here’s why:
Comforting, Yet Luxurious
It’s cozy and familiar, but with a touch of gourmet. The creamy sauce, the tender chicken, the cheesy topping—it all just works together so perfectly. It’s an indulgence that feels like home.
Easy to Make, Impressive to Serve
Despite being a showstopper, this dish is incredibly easy to make! It’s a one-dish wonder that’s as stress-free as it is delicious. You can whip it up for a family dinner, and it will also steal the show at any dinner party.
Customizable
You can easily make this your own. Love mushrooms? Throw some in! Want to add a little spice? A dash of cayenne or paprika will do the trick. It’s a flexible recipe that you can adjust based on what you’ve got in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing
This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or entertaining guests, this chicken tetrazzini has that universal appeal—it’s creamy, cheesy, and just downright irresistible.
Freezer-Friendly
Made extra-large? No problem! This dish freezes beautifully, so you can double the recipe and have a future meal ready to go whenever you need it. Who doesn’t love a good make-ahead meal?
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Ingredients
Ready to make this delicious, creamy casserole? Here’s what you’ll need:
Cooked Chicken
You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or even leftover turkey. It’s all about making this dish as easy as possible while still being packed with flavor.
Pasta
Traditional spaghetti is the classic choice for tetrazzini, but you can also use fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you prefer. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente!
Heavy Cream
This is the key to the rich, creamy sauce that brings everything together. It’s what makes the casserole so comforting.
Chicken Broth
Using chicken broth as the base of the sauce gives it a rich, savory depth. You can use low-sodium broth to keep things on the lighter side.
Parmesan Cheese
A must-have for any cheesy casserole. Parmesan brings a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce and adds a delightful bite when it’s melted and bubbly.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella gives this dish its gooey, melt-in-your-mouth cheese factor. When it’s baked, it forms a beautiful, golden crust on top of the casserole.
Butter
Butter adds richness to the sauce and helps thicken it up. It’s that little touch that takes the flavor to the next level.
Flour
Flour helps to thicken the sauce and create that creamy, luscious texture we all love in casseroles.
Onion and Garlic
A little aromatics go a long way in flavor-building. Onions and garlic form the savory base that enhances the overall dish.
Mushrooms (Optional)
Sliced mushrooms are optional, but they add an earthy depth to the dish that complements the creamy sauce and chicken perfectly.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish adds a pop of color and brightness. Plus, it just makes the dish look extra fancy!
Salt and Pepper
Essential for seasoning everything to perfection. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go!
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make your Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini:
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, and set it aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions, but keep it just a tad underdone (it’ll cook further in the oven). Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
If you’re using mushrooms, add them now and cook for 5-6 minutes, until they release their moisture and become tender.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions (and mushrooms, if using) and stir to create a roux. Cook for 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Add the Liquids
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Then add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Stir in the Cheese
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce and everything is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine with Chicken and Pasta
Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to combine. Then, add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
7. Assemble the Tetrazzini
Transfer the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that perfect cheesy, golden top.
8. Bake to Perfection
Bake the tetrazzini in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you like an extra-crispy top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
9. Serve and Garnish
Once it’s done, remove the tetrazzini from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini
With a Crisp Salad
A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is the perfect pairing to cut through the richness of the tetrazzini.
With Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic side dish here. It’s great for scooping up that creamy sauce left in the dish!
With Roasted Vegetables
Roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans add some lovely color and texture, making the meal feel well-rounded.
On Its Own
Honestly, this dish is hearty enough to stand alone as a full meal. All you need is a cold glass of white wine (or a cozy drink of your choice), and you’re good to go!
Additional Tips
- Make It Ahead: This dish is a great make-ahead option! Prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.
- Freeze for Later: Double the recipe and freeze one for later! This tetrazzini freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in more veggies, feel free to add some spinach, peas, or even broccoli to the casserole. They’ll blend right in with the creamy sauce.
- Healthier Option: To make this dish lighter, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk. You can also use reduced-fat cheeses and low-sodium chicken broth.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap in fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni if you prefer. Just make sure it’s a sturdy pasta that will hold up to the sauce.
Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A2: Yes! You can skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or peas. You could also swap in a plant-based protein to keep it vegetarian.
Q3: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time, then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to use, just reheat the sauce and mix it with the pasta and chicken before baking.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3
-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave.
Q5: Can I freeze the casserole?
A5: Yes, this dish freezes really well! Just prepare it through the assembly step, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just make sure you use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.
Q7: Can I use a different protein in this dish?
A7: Yes! Turkey or even cooked ham would be great substitutes for the chicken. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded before adding it to the sauce.
Enjoy making this ultimate comfort dish! Trust me, you’re going to love every creamy, cheesy bite.
Print
Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that combines tender chicken, mushrooms, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is comforting, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- For the Tetrazzini:
- 1 lb (450g) cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti or egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and mushrooms, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the heavy cream, milk, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the creamy sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top the pasta with the remaining mozzarella cheese and bread crumbs (if using).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you prefer a crispier top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the dish.
- For a richer sauce, add more cream or substitute half-and-half for the milk.
- If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can replace them with spinach or peas for added flavor and texture.
- To make this dish ahead of time, prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
- For extra crunch, you can mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling them on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg