Chicken Tetrazzini

 

 Chicken Tetrazzini is a dish that brings back warm memories of childhood dinners. It's a rich and creamy casserole packed with tender chicken, pasta, and a flavorful sauce, all topped with a melty cheese crust. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in, and it's surprisingly easy to make!

 

In this blog post, we'll guide you through a delicious and straightforward Chicken Tetrazzini recipe.

 

Ingredients:

 

For the Creamy Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Casserole:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded

8 ounces dried spaghetti or linguine

1 (10.75 ounces) can of condensed cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup frozen peas

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package directions, until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.

 

Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

 

Whisk in the heavy cream (or milk), Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes more.

 

Assemble the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, cooked pasta, cream of mushroom soup, peas, parsley, and the prepared creamy sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.

 

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with a mixture of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

 

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

 

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

 

Tips:

 

For a richer flavor, use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breasts.

If you don't have frozen peas, you can substitute them with chopped broccoli or other vegetables.

To make the dish ahead of time, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Chicken Tetrazzini is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. So get creative, add your favorite ingredients, and enjoy this delicious and comforting classic!