If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, you’re in the right place. Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food—warm, cheesy, and brimming with savory goodness. Picture tender pieces of chicken, cozy pasta, and a luscious, creamy sauce all baked to golden perfection. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. Whether you’re looking to wow your family or enjoy a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into why this creamy delight will become your new favorite.
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Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with a few pantry staples, but the result is way beyond your average casserole. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breasts: The star of the show. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts become melt-in-your-mouth tender as they soak up all those dreamy flavors.
Spaghetti: This classic pasta gives the dish that familiar comfort you crave. It’s the perfect vehicle to soak up the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: The heart of the creamy sauce. It’s what makes this dish rich and indulgent, without being too heavy.
Chicken Broth: This adds a savory depth of flavor that balances out the richness of the cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Oh yes, cheese. Parmesan brings that sharp, nutty flavor that takes this dish to a whole new level.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient makes the sauce ultra-smooth and velvety, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Garlic: Fresh garlic for that aromatic kick. It’s impossible to resist when it’s sautéed in butter and mixed into the sauce.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce. It’s a comforting background flavor that brings everything together.
Herbs & Spices: A little bit of thyme, salt, and pepper. The thyme adds an earthy note, while the salt and pepper bring out the flavors.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden top.
Cook Your Pasta: In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Once cooked, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Make the Sauce: Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and cream cheese to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Then, mix in the Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated.
Assemble the Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
Finishing Touches: Once the dish is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or more grated Parmesan for an extra touch of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a crisp salad or served on its own, this creamy chicken tetrazzini is sure to be a hit.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus make perfect sides to add a pop of color and nutrients.
Wine Pairing: A chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy flavors of this dish beautifully.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Just garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a finishing touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Dietary Adjustments: For a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or a dairy-free substitute. You can also swap the chicken for turkey or even a vegetarian protein like tofu.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will give the dish a slightly richer flavor.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! Prepare it up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just bake it off in the oven.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep it nice and creamy.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight and reheat in the oven.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Q6: Can I add veggies to this dish?
A6: Yes! Feel free to throw in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q7: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A7: Absolutely! You can use any pasta you prefer, like penne or fusilli, instead of spaghetti.
Q8: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A8: Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your cream and broth are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Q9: Can I use store-bought sauce?
A9: While homemade sauce is best, you can use a store-bought Alfredo sauce if you’re in a pinch.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Just make sure you have a large enough baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
Whether you’re cooking for your family or making a dish for a get-together, this creamy chicken tetrazzini is bound to be a hit. It’s comforting, cheesy, and utterly satisfying—just what you need for a cozy meal. So, what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients ready and start cooking this deliciously creamy dish tonight. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Total Time: 58 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting and creamy baked pasta dish made with chicken, spaghetti, mushrooms, and a rich, flavorful sauce. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes, stirring regularly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked chicken, cooked spaghetti, and sautéed vegetables to the soup mixture. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and swap out the cream soups for a homemade creamy base.
- You can also add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 643
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 945mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 111mg