Chicken Tetrazzini brings together tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and pasta. This dish offers comfort and ease. It works well for family dinners and gatherings. You can use leftover chicken or cook fresh. Enjoy a cheesy, soothing meal. Let us show you how to create this tasty dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare this Chicken Tetrazzini dish, gather these items:
- 4 cups shredded chicken
(choose rotisserie chicken for a quick start!) - 1 pound white mushrooms
(slice them thickly for a hearty bite) - 1 medium yellow onion
(chop it finely) - 4 garlic cloves
(mince them) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley
(chop it, plus use extra for garnish) - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
(or mix milk and cream) - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
(add to taste) - 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
(use it to top the dish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter. This step gets you ready for the final mix.
2. Cooking the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and salt. Bring it to a boil. Add the pasta (linguine or spaghetti). Cook the pasta until it is al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it back in the pot.
3. Sautéing the Ingredients
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms first. Sauté them for 3 minutes until they soften. Next, add the chopped onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onions become soft and golden. Now, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until you notice the fragrance. Remove this mixture from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Making the Sauce
In the same skillet, let 2 tablespoons butter melt. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons flour without changing the pan. Whisk the flour for 2 minutes until the raw taste disappears. Slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken broth. Then, incorporate 1 cup half and half and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it thicken for 2 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combining Everything
Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the shredded chicken, the sautéed mushroom mixture, and the creamy sauce. Stir gently until every ingredient is well mixed. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water if the mixture seems too thick.
6. Baking the Casserole
Place the combined mixture in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. If you wish, broil the dish for a minute or two for a golden top.
7. Serving the Dish
When the dish is finished, take it out of the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra chopped parsley. Serve the dish hot. Enjoy the cheese, cream, and comforting flavors.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Tetrazzini is a pleasing meal. It brings together chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce with each bite. The dish is simple yet full of flavor. It can stand alone or pair with a light salad. Gather your ingredients and begin. Enjoy a meal that is both satisfying and full of comfort!
