If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big, cozy hug, you can’t go wrong with this Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a bubbling cheesy topping that delivers rich flavor with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want to impress friends, this dish stands out as a timeless classic with a deluxe twist that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making your Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe truly shine. Each element plays an essential role: the chicken brings hearty protein, the pasta delivers satisfying texture, and the creamy sauce enriched with herbs and cheeses makes every forkful decadent yet balanced.
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken: Juicy and shredded to easily mingle with the sauce.
- 1 lb spaghetti or egg noodles: The perfect base to soak up all that luscious sauce.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For sautéing and adding richness without overpowering flavors.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatics.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a warm, savory punch essential to the dish’s depth.
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms: Earthy and tender, they elevate the texture and flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Forms the savory liquid base for the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Luxuriously creamy, it enriches the sauce for that deluxe feel.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Balances the richness and keeps the sauce silky smooth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a subtle herbal note that brightens the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds woodsy aroma and depth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it boosts the flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible cheesy layer.
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional): Adds a crunchy topping for pleasing contrast.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to tie everything together.
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright finish.
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish): For an extra cheesy kick on top.
How to Make Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. While the oven warms, cook your spaghetti or egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. This step is essential because perfectly cooked pasta delivers the right bite and absorbs the sauce beautifully without turning mushy later.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics and Mushrooms
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture, around 5 to 7 minutes. This combination creates the flavor base, marrying sweetness and umami in the sauce.
Step 3: Thickening the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked vegetables and stir well to combine. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste – this little step really elevates the texture. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the heavy cream, whole milk, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and season with salt and pepper. Continue stirring for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly into a creamy dream.
Step 4: Combining Chicken and Cheese
Remove the sauce from heat, then stir in your shredded chicken, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella. This imparts that luscious cheesy creaminess that makes this dish a true comfort meal superstar. Mixing everything well ensures each bite bursts with layered flavors.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything until the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out smoothly. This is where you just know it’s starting to come together into something magical.
Step 6: Adding the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, and if you love a bit of crunch, add in the bread crumbs. This topping will turn golden and slightly crispy in the oven, balancing the creaminess perfectly.
Step 7: Baking Your Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown. For those who adore an extra-crisp topping, a quick 1 to 2-minute broil at the end seals the deal. Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking so it settles before serving.
How to Serve Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness, while an extra dusting of grated Parmesan on top provides a salty, sharp contrast. These small touches transform the dish from delicious to truly memorable.
Side Dishes
Serve this creamy chicken tetrazzini alongside something light like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. A bright lemon vinaigrette or a simple balsamic glaze on your greens provides just the right zing to complement the casserole’s richness. For bread lovers, garlic bread or soft dinner rolls complete the feast beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe in individual ramekins for an elegant touch that’s perfect for dinner parties. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or add fresh basil leaves on top for an unexpected flavor upgrade. Presentation matters when sharing a favorite dish, and these little tweaks will keep guests delighted.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it well-covered ensures that the creamy sauce stays moist and the flavors stay fresh for your next meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. To freeze, bake as directed but undercook by about 5 minutes to avoid sogginess upon reheating. Cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat your Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out, removing the foil at the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping. For a quicker method, use the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time without compromising flavor.
What kind of pasta works best in tetrazzini?
Spaghetti or egg noodles are traditional and work best as they hold the creamy sauce well while staying tender but firm.
Is it necessary to add bread crumbs on top?
While optional, bread crumbs add a delightful crunch and contrast to the creamy casserole, making it worth including if you enjoy textural variety.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lower in fat?
For dairy-free options, substitute heavy cream and milk with plant-based creamers and use vegan cheese alternatives, though the dish will differ slightly in richness.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cooking the pasta just to al dente and not over-stirring the casserole before baking helps keep the noodles firm and prevents mushiness.
Final Thoughts
This Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is a true labor of love that transforms humble ingredients into a spectacular, comforting meal. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and golden cheesy topping invite you to savor every bite and share it with those you care about. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will be a staple in your kitchen.
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Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting and creamy baked pasta casserole featuring shredded chicken, mushrooms, and a rich blend of cheeses in a savory sauce. This classic dish is elevated with fragrant herbs and a golden breadcrumb topping, making it perfect for a hearty family meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Tetrazzini:
- 1 lb (450g) cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti or egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms become tender and release their moisture.
- Add flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables in the skillet and stir well to combine. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Make the creamy sauce: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the heavy cream, whole milk, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Incorporate cheeses and chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until everything is evenly combined in the sauce.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat all noodles evenly with the creamy chicken and mushroom sauce.
- Assemble in baking dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake and finish: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut without compromising flavor.
- Substitute mushrooms with other vegetables like bell peppers or peas if preferred.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour.
- Bread crumbs topping can be omitted for a lower-carb option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
