Easy Chicken Tetrazzini: 5-Star Recipe for Quick Dinner
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food
- Why This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is Your New Favorite 5-Star Recipe
- Gather Your Ingredients for Quick Tetrazzini
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Delicious Chicken Tetrazzini
- Pro Tips for the Best Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
- Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
- Storage and Make-Ahead Options
- Frequently Asked Question
Craving comfort? This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe delivers 5-star taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for a quick, delicious weeknight dinner! Get ready to impress your family with a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that’s truly a crowd-plepleaser.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to create this amazing dish, from gathering your ingredients to perfecting that golden, bubbly top. Let’s dive in!
Introduction: The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food
When the demands of a busy day leave you yearning for something truly satisfying, a hearty and flavorful dinner is just what you need. Our recipe for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is designed to be your go-to solution for those exact moments.
It’s pure comfort in a dish, combining tender chicken, rich pasta, and a luscious, savory sauce. Forget complicated culinary endeavors; this recipe focuses on simplicity without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
Why This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is Your New Favorite 5-Star Recipe
You might be wondering what makes this particular chicken tetrazzini stand out. It’s all about balancing incredible taste with practical preparation. We’ve streamlined the steps so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
This recipe uses readily available ingredients and smart cooking techniques to create a dinner that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to execute. It’s destined to become a regular fixture on your weeknight meal rotation, offering that perfect blend of deliciousness and ease.
Gather Your Ingredients for Quick Tetrazzini
Before we begin our culinary adventure, let’s make sure you have everything on hand to create this delightful easy chicken tetrazzini. Gathering your ingredients beforehand always makes the cooking process smoother.
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 (4 oz) can mushrooms, drained (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Delicious Chicken Tetrazzini
Ready to create some magic? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, golden casserole in no time. This is truly an enjoyable quick chicken recipe!
Prep Your Chicken and Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Don’t overcook, as it will bake further.
- If you haven’t already, shred or dice your cooked chicken. This is where a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save you tons of time!
Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will be the base for your creamy sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dry sherry (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Combine and Bake to Golden Perfection
- Add the cooked chicken, drained mushrooms (if using), and cooked pasta to the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro Tips for the Best Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Want to elevate your already fantastic Easy Chicken Tetrazzini even further? Here are a few tricks from the pros:
- Use Good Quality Broth: A rich, flavorful chicken broth makes a huge difference in the depth of your sauce.
- Don’t Be Afraid of Herbs: A pinch of dried thyme or a bay leaf added to the sauce as it simmers can impart wonderful flavor.
- Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is classic for the top, consider adding a sprinkle of Gruyère or white cheddar to the sauce for an even richer, nuttier flavor profile.
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents a mushy tetrazzini. You can read more about cooking pasta perfectly at Barilla’s pasta guide.
For more great comfort food ideas, check out our other recipes Read our in-depth guide here.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
Your creamy, delicious chicken tetrazzini is now ready to shine! While it’s a complete meal on its own, a few simple sides can beautifully complement its richness.
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is ideal for cutting through the creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. For a vegetable side, steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or broccoli florets tossed with lemon and garlic would be excellent choices.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
One of the best things about this comfort food classic is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Store any remaining tetrazzini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For make-ahead, prepare the entire dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Frequently Asked Question
Can I use different types of pasta for chicken tetrazzini?
Yes, absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine are traditional, you can easily substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even egg noodles. Just be sure to cook them al dente before combining with the sauce.
What can I use instead of sherry in chicken tetrazzini?
If you prefer not to use dry sherry, you can omit it entirely, or substitute it with an equal amount of additional chicken broth. A splash of dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would also work well for a similar flavor profile.
Can I add vegetables to my easy chicken tetrazzini?
Definitely! This dish is very versatile. Sautéed peas, bell peppers, celery, or even spinach would be delicious additions. Add them in with the chicken before mixing with the sauce and pasta.