Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

When comfort food meets creamy, cheesy goodness, you get an absolute winner like this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe. It’s a timeless casserole loaded with tender chicken, silky noodles, and a luscious sauce that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish blends simple ingredients into something truly special, making it a guaranteed favorite for anyone who loves hearty, satisfying meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors in this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe. From the tender chicken to the blend of cheeses, every element contributes to that irresistible texture and taste.

• 16 ounces thin spaghetti cooked: Noodles are the comforting base, soaking up all the creamy sauce and flavors.
• 2 cups cooked chicken (about 1 pound): Provides the hearty protein and makes it a filling meal.
• ½ cup unsalted butter plus more for buttering pan: Adds richness and helps create a luscious sauce.
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup: Acts as the creamy foundation with easy convenience.
• 2 cups sour cream: Introduces tanginess and extra creaminess to the sauce.
• ½ cup dry white wine: Brightens flavors and adds depth to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other ingredients.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick to balance richness.
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, sharp flavor for complexity.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that gooey, melty topping everyone loves.

How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Chicken Mixture

Start by melting ½ cup of butter in a pan. Once melted, toss in your cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, and white wine. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. This creamy sauce will cling beautifully to your noodles and chicken.

Step 2: Combine with Cooked Noodles

Next, gently fold in your cooked spaghetti noodles into the sauce mixture. Be careful not to break the noodles up too much; you want nice strands for texture. This step ensures each forkful is loaded with noodles coated in that irresistible sauce.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish

Lightly butter a 13×9-inch baking dish. This not only prevents sticking but adds a subtle richness around the edges of your casserole for every bite.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour your creamy chicken and noodle mixture evenly into the buttered dish. Sprinkle the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top. The cheeses will create a golden, bubbly crust that’s absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a 300-degree oven for 45 minutes. This gentle baking allows the flavors to meld. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to get that gorgeous cheesy topping browned and bubbling.

How to Serve Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the creamy richness. A dash of extra parmesan just before serving can also elevate every forkful.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables to add some lightness to the meal. Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans provide a nice texture contrast that complements the creamy casserole perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cocottes—perfect for dinner parties or cozy family dinners. You can also top each portion with a drizzle of truffle oil or a few toasted breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days, making it a great option for easy weeknight lunches or dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze Chicken Tetrazzini before baking. Assemble it all in a freezer-friendly dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Just remember to add extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through properly when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350-degree oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out. About 20-25 minutes should do the trick. For faster meals, reheating individual portions in the microwave works well, but the oven method keeps that bubbly, cheesy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe?

Absolutely! While traditional recipes use thin spaghetti, you can substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne—whatever you have on hand or prefer. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well in the casserole.

Is white wine necessary in this recipe?

White wine adds brightness and enhances the overall flavor, but if you prefer to skip alcohol, you can substitute with chicken broth or even a bit of lemon juice to maintain some acidity.

Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a medley of roasted vegetables. Use a cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken soup to keep it vegetarian-friendly while maintaining that creamy base.

What’s the best cheese for topping this dish?

Parmesan and mozzarella are classic choices because parmesan adds sharpness and depth, while mozzarella provides the melt and stretch we all love. Feel free to experiment with provolone or fontina for a different twist.

How do I know when the Chicken Tetrazzini is done baking?

When the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is golden brown and crisp, it’s ready. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F if you want to be precise, especially if reheating from frozen.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is one of those treasured comfort dishes that bring everyone together around the table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of simple, satisfying flavors that are easy to love. I promise once you try it, it will become a go-to recipe that you’ll want to share just like I did today. Happy cooking!

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