👉Chicken Tetrazzini – Recipes on a Budget

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Description:

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting, creamy casserole made with tender shredded chicken, a rich and cheesy sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This one-pan dish comes together effortlessly, using simple ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and sour cream to create a luscious sauce. Topped with gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this Chicken Tetrazzini will quickly become a dinner favorite.

Ingredients:

8 oz spaghetti
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup butter
1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth and the cheeses are melted.
Combine with Chicken and Pasta: Add the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with extra shredded mozzarella cheese for a cheesy, golden finish.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini!

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover Chicken Tetrazzini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Reheating Tips:

Microwave: When reheating in the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until warm.
Stovetop: If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to the dish to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Oven: To maintain the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until the casserole is heated through.

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can I use different pasta instead of spaghetti? Yes, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or any pasta you prefer.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
Can I use low-fat sour cream or cheese? Yes, you can use lower-fat options to reduce the calorie count.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup? You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or a homemade cream sauce.
Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a sliced jalapeño for some heat.
How long will Chicken Tetrazzini last in the fridge? It will last 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini? Yes, this dish freezes well. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and wrap it tightly.
How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick? If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or milk to loosen it.
Can I add vegetables to this dish? Yes, add vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms to the casserole for added nutrition and flavor.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced? Yes, fresh garlic will work great. Mince or crush it before adding it to the dish.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian? Replace the chicken with a mix of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth.
Can I make this without sour cream? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.
Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make the dish in a slow cooker by combining all the ingredients, except the pasta, and cooking on low for 4-6 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes.
How can I make this dish lighter? Use low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and whole wheat pasta to lighten the dish.
What can I serve with Chicken Tetrazzini? Pair it with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make this dairy-free? Use dairy-free cheese, sour cream, and a dairy-free version of the cream of mushroom soup for a dairy-free alternative.
How do I keep the cheese from separating? Stir the cheese in at the end and avoid overheating the sauce to prevent it from separating.

20 Best Tips to Make This Recipe:

Use Homemade Chicken Broth: Homemade chicken broth will give the dish a deeper, more authentic flavor.
Shred the Chicken: Shredding the chicken allows it to absorb more of the creamy sauce.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Sautéing the onion and garlic enhances their flavors and makes the dish more aromatic.
Season the Chicken: Season the shredded chicken with salt and pepper before adding it to the casserole for extra flavor.
Toast the Pasta: Toast the cooked spaghetti in the pan for a few minutes for added flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Under-cook the spaghetti by a minute to ensure it doesn’t become mushy when baking.
Use a Sharp Cheese: For more flavor, use a sharp Parmesan and mozzarella cheese blend.
Add a Crumb Topping: Top with seasoned breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or basil to the sauce for a burst of freshness.
Adjust the Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or cream to adjust the consistency.
Experiment with Different Sauces: Try using Alfredo or even a white wine sauce for different flavor profiles.
Use a Large Skillet: Make sure your skillet is large enough to mix all ingredients evenly.
Top with Extra Cheese: Add more cheese on top for a cheesy, golden crust.
Make it Spicy: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce to add a kick.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even easier meal, use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Don’t Skip the Butter: The butter is key to creating a smooth, rich sauce.
Let the Casserole Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Use Full-Fat Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream provides the best texture and flavor for the sauce.
Cover with Foil for the First 20 Minutes: Cover the casserole with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent it from drying out.
Add Extra Veggies: Incorporate frozen peas, spinach, or bell peppers into the casserole for extra nutrition.