Speedy Chicken Tetrazzini Comfort Food Fast
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a hug in a bowl? Ever craved ultimate comfort food without the fuss? This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is your answer. Honestly, it's cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavour.
Brief Overview
Chicken Tetrazzini is an American classic, perfect for a family gathering. It's named after Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini. This recipe's easy enough for beginners! It takes around 40 minutes and serves six happy bellies.
Main Benefits
This Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is packed with protein from the chicken, keeping you full and satisfied. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner or a potluck party.
What makes this Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake so special? It's the perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness.
Ready to dive into the ingredients for this Quick Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe ? Let's go!
Get Your Ingredients Sorted!
Here’s what you'll need for this Easy Chicken Pasta Casserole :
- 1 pound (450g) spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dry sherry
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups (450g) cooked chicken
- 8 ounces (225g) sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Let's Get Cooking: Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
This Weeknight Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is a total breeze. Even if you're not a pro, you'll nail it. Plus, you'll have dinner on the table in under an hour!
First, cook your pasta until al dente. Nobody likes soggy pasta! While that's cooking, sauté your mushrooms. A bit of browning adds amazing flavor.
Next up, it's sauce time! Whisk butter and flour, then add broth and cream. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
Add your chicken, mushrooms, parmesan, and parsley to the sauce. Mix it all together with the cooked pasta. Pop it in a baking dish, top with cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready to Rumble!
Alright, so you wanna make some proper Easy Chicken Tetrazzini ? Good choice! It's the kind of comfort food chicken recipe that'll have everyone fighting for seconds.
I swear, even my picky nephew devours this creamy chicken pasta bake .
Main Ingredients: The A-Team
- Pasta: 1 pound ( 450g ) spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. I like spaghetti, but honestly, use whatever you've got.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . For tossing the pasta. Nothing fancy needed.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon . A little goes a long way!
- Butter: 4 tablespoons ( 56g ) unsalted. This is the base of our creamy dream.
- Flour: 1/2 cup ( 60g ) all-purpose. Gets the sauce nice and thick.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups ( 950ml ) low sodium preferred. Trust me on the low sodium. You can always add more salt, but you can't take it away!
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup ( 240ml ). Oh my gosh, this makes it so creamy!
- Dry Sherry: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). This is optional, but adds a certain je ne sais quoi . If you don't have it, just use extra chicken broth.
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon ground. Don't skip this!
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon . Season to taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon . Freshly ground if you're feeling fancy.
- Cooked Chicken: 3 cups ( 450g ), shredded or diced. My secret weapon? A rotisserie chicken . Makes this Quick Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe even quicker.
- Mushrooms: 8 ounces ( 225g ) sliced. I like cremini, but button mushrooms are fine.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup ( 50g ) grated. The real stuff, please!
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped. Adds a pop of freshness.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup ( 100g ) shredded. Melty goodness!
- Panko Bread Crumbs: 1/2 cup ( 50g ). These get so crispy!
- Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons . For the topping.
Seasoning Notes: Secret Weapon Time!
Nutmeg in a cream sauce? Honestly, it's magical! Don't skip it. It adds this warm, cozy flavor that makes the whole thing sing.
Also, remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. That's my Nona's tip! You can use a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Equipment Needed: Nothing Too Scary!
- Large pot for the pasta
- Colander for draining
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Whisk (essential for a smooth sauce!)
- 9x13 inch baking dish. That’s Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole size!
I honestly don’t think Chicken Tetrazzini is only for a weeknight Chicken Tetrazzini . I find it's perfect for feeding a crowd.
Speedy Chicken Tetrazzini: Comfort Food, Fast!
Alright, listen up, buttercup. You know those nights when you're craving pure comfort food, but can't be bothered with a million steps? Well, this Speedy Chicken Tetrazzini is your new best friend.
Honestly, it’s so Easy Chicken Tetrazzini , it's practically foolproof. We are talking classic creamy, cheesy pasta bake without the faff.
I reckon you're gonna love it! It is the ultimate Comfort Food Chicken Recipe .
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first: get your act together. Measure out all your ingredients before you even think about turning on the hob.
It's called mise en place - fancy, innit? But it saves you a world of stress. Get your pasta cooked and everything else in place, then you are ready to go! This is gonna be a Quick Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe .
step-by-step to Chicken Tetrazzini Bliss
Cook one pound of pasta. Follow the packet, till al dente . Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt . Set aside.
Sauté 8 ounces sliced mushrooms in 4 tablespoons butter until soft. Set aside.
Make the creamy sauce. Melt 4 tablespoons butter . Whisk in 1/2 cup flour and cook for 1 minute . Slowly whisk in 4 cups chicken broth .
Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup sherry (optional), 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper .
Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes .
Add 3 cups cooked chicken, mushrooms, 1/2 cup Parmesan and 1/4 cup parsley to the sauce.
Combine pasta with the chicken mixture. Pour into a greased baking dish.
Top with 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter .
Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes , until golden.
Pro Tips for Chicken Tetrazzini Easy Win!
Want to take your Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole to the next level? Toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry pan for a few minutes before topping trust me on this one.
Another thing I've learned the hard way is: don't overcook your pasta! You want it al dente, not mushy. Makes all the difference in your Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake .
Want to prep ahead for a Weeknight Chicken Tetrazzini ? Assemble everything before topping and baking. Cover and refrigerate and then bake when ready!
Recipe Notes for Your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Alright, let’s talk Chicken Tetrazzini ! Specifically, your Easy Chicken Tetrazzini . It is your Comfort Food Chicken Recipe , and it's pretty much foolproof.
Honestly, though, even the simplest dishes have little tweaks and tips that can make them even better . These are my nuggets of wisdom for perfecting your Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole .
Serving It Up Right: Plating & Pairings
Presentation matters, you know? I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top of my Easy Chicken Pasta Casserole after it comes out of the oven.
Makes it look all fancy schmancy. And honestly? A simple green salad is the perfect side. The lightness cuts through the richness of the bake.
A glass of crisp white wine? Well, that's just treating yourself. I mean, why not? Think pinot grigio or even a sauvignon blanc! Or even better, use a nice crusty bread to soak the sauce off.
Storing Your Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Like a Pro
Okay, so you've got leftovers (if you're lucky!). Fridge wise, this Weeknight Chicken Tetrazzini will keep happily for about 3-4 days.
Just make sure it's in an airtight container. Freezing? Absolutely! But here’s the thing: pasta can get a little weird texture wise after freezing.
My pro-tip: let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer safe containers. It'll keep for about 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through and bubbly.
Honestly, adding a bit of extra cheese on top when you reheat never hurt anyone!
Quick Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe : Remixing the Classics
Fancy a bit of a change? For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half and-half. The sauce won't be quite as rich, but it's still delicious.
Another variation? Add veggies! Peas, asparagus, bell peppers whatever floats your boat. Want to make it a Chicken Tetrazzini with Rotisserie Chicken delight? Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite
Alright, let's get real. While this is total comfort food, it can still be part of a balanced diet. You're getting protein from the chicken, and some dairy goodness from the cheese and cream.
But hey, portion control is key! One serving clocks in at roughly 550 calories , with about 40g of protein .
So, there you have it! My extra bits of wisdom to make your Speedy Easy Chicken Tetrazzini experience even better. Now go forth and conquer that kitchen. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Easy Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Tetrazzini completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Think of it like prepping for a Sunday roast; get it all ready and relax until it's time to pop it in the oven. Easy peasy!
My Easy Chicken Tetrazzini sauce is too thick/thin what can I do?
If your sauce is too thick, whisk in a little extra chicken broth, a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken up.
A slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) whisked in will also do the trick just like they do on "MasterChef."
What's the best way to store leftover Easy Chicken Tetrazzini?
Leftover Chicken Tetrazzini should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. It's the perfect next day lunch...much better than a soggy sandwich!
Can I freeze Easy Chicken Tetrazzini?
Yes, you can freeze Easy Chicken Tetrazzini, but the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. It's best to freeze it before baking. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. Freezing is a great option if you are batch cooking a large amount!
I don't have sherry, what can I substitute in my Easy Chicken Tetrazzini?
No sherry, no problem! Dry sherry adds a lovely depth of flavour, but you can easily substitute it. Simply use an equal amount of dry white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Alternatively, you can just add an equal amount of chicken broth.
Think of it as a "Bake Off" substitution challenge adapt and overcome!
Is there any way to make this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe healthier?
Definitely! You can use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Substitute half and-half or milk for the heavy cream to reduce fat content (although the sauce won't be as rich), and use reduced fat cheese.
Load up on the vegetables adding extra mushrooms, spinach, or peas is a great way to boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor. It's all about balance, like a well composed dish on "Saturday Kitchen."
Speedy Chicken Tetrazzini Comfort Food Fast
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |