Description
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting American baked pasta dish that combines tender shredded chicken, spaghetti, and a creamy cheese sauce. With a golden, bubbly top, this family-friendly meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner and can be customized with vegetables or turkey as alternatives.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti, broken in half, cooked and drained
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms (optional)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup frozen peas
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Topping
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms (if using) and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes to develop flavors.
- Make Roux and Sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed mixture and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it slightly thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Season and Combine: Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the sauce. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, frozen peas, and cooked spaghetti to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese: Mix in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta mixture for richness.
- Assemble and Top: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Optionally, add breadcrumbs over the cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and for easier portioning.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey for chicken or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lighter version, use milk instead of cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- Add chopped spinach or other vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.
