Hey there, fellow home cooks! If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s super easy to whip up, let me introduce you to my favorite Chicken Tetrazzini! This recipe is an absolute gem for beginners, and trust me, it’s one of those meals that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen without the stress.
What I love most about Chicken Tetrazzini is its creamy, cheesy goodness paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken, making it a no-fuss dish for busy weeknights. I remember the first time I made it; I was nervous, but the smell wafting through my kitchen was enough to convince me I’d hit a home run. My family devoured it, and now it’s a staple in our house!
This easy Chicken Tetrazzini is not just delicious; it’s customizable too! You can toss in some peas, add extra veggies, or even switch up the cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with this recipe, and I promise it will quickly become a favorite in your home as it has in mine. Let’s dive into the ingredients so you can start creating your own masterpiece!
Ingredients for Chicken Tetrazzini Easy
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – This is a great use for any leftover chicken you might have!
- 8 oz spaghetti – You can use any pasta you prefer, but spaghetti gives it that classic feel.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced – Fresh mushrooms add a lovely earthy flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth – This is what brings all the flavors together!
- 1 cup heavy cream – For that rich, creamy texture we all love.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – This cheesy goodness is the icing on the cake!
- 1/2 cup frozen peas – A pop of color and sweetness!
- 1/4 cup butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – For thickening the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – A little kick of flavor!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – To enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Just the right amount of spice.
Make sure you have everything on hand before you start, and if you’re missing something, don’t hesitate to get creative! This dish is all about making it your own.
How to Prepare Chicken Tetrazzini Easy
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the fun part—making your Chicken Tetrazzini! Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through each step. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time!
Cook the Spaghetti
First, let’s get that spaghetti cooking! Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt—this helps flavor the pasta. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, but don’t overcook it! You want it al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside while we work on the sauce.
Prepare the Sauce
Now for the creamy goodness! In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes. Stir them around so they cook evenly!
Next, sprinkle in the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for about a minute. You’re creating a roux here, which will help thicken your sauce. Now, gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. You want to keep it moving so it thickens up nicely—this should take about 3-5 minutes. Once it’s thick and creamy, you’re golden!
Combine Ingredients
Time to bring it all together! Add the shredded chicken and frozen peas into the sauce. Give it a good stir to mix everything up. Then, gently fold in the cooked spaghetti, making sure every bit of pasta is coated in that luscious sauce. This is where the magic happens, so take your time and make sure it’s all well combined!
Bake the Tetrazzini
Now, let’s get this beauty into the oven! Pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish—make sure it’s spread evenly. And here comes the best part: sprinkle that grated Parmesan cheese generously on top! It’ll melt into a delicious crust while baking.
Pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and let it bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden on top. I promise the aroma will have your family flocking to the kitchen! Once it’s out, give it a few minutes to cool before serving, and then dig in!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make your Chicken Tetrazzini, here are some handy tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Use leftover chicken: This recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose any leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken. It cuts down prep time significantly and adds great flavor!
- Don’t overcook the spaghetti: Remember, the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so it’s okay if it’s slightly undercooked. Al dente spaghetti will give you the best texture!
- Experiment with veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli. Just sauté them with the mushrooms for a few extra minutes to get them tender.
- Choose your cheese: While Parmesan cheese is a classic choice, you can mix it up with mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor. Just make sure it’s something that melts well!
- Let it rest: After baking, let your tetrazzini sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit and makes it easier to scoop out those perfect portions.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone with your delicious Chicken Tetrazzini! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what you’re putting into your body, right? Here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition for one serving (about 1 cup) of this easy Chicken Tetrazzini:
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use, so consider this a rough estimate. It’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information!
FAQ About Chicken Tetrazzini Easy
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is a classic choice, you can use any type of pasta you love. Penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta work wonderfully too! Just remember that different shapes may require slightly different cooking times, so keep an eye on them to get that perfect al dente texture!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before sealing it up! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of cream or broth to keep it nice and creamy!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You bet! This Chicken Tetrazzini can be prepared ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for busy days. Just follow the recipe up until the baking step, then cover your prepared dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold from the refrigerator. Get ready to impress your family with this make-ahead meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 45 minutes, you can have a comforting meal on the table in no time!
- Beginner-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for those new to cooking. The steps are simple, and it’s hard to mess up!
- Deliciously Flavorful: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and savory mushrooms, every bite is pure comfort.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or cheeses, making it easy to adapt to your taste.
- Great for Leftovers: It’s an excellent way to use leftover chicken, making it a smart choice for busy weeknights.
- Family Favorite: This dish is sure to impress your family and friends, quickly becoming a favorite at your dinner table!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious Chicken Tetrazzini ready to serve, let’s talk about what to pair it with for a complete meal experience! While this dish is hearty on its own, a few tasty sides can elevate your dinner to the next level.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce and adds a delightful crunch to your meal.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is a fantastic way to balance the richness of the tetrazzini. The crispness of the veggies is a refreshing contrast!
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss some seasonal veggies like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven. They’ll add a lovely color and extra nutrients to your plate.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon juice makes for a bright and elegant side. It’s quick to prepare and adds a touch of sophistication!
- Fruit Salad: For a sweet finish, consider a light fruit salad. Mix seasonal fruits like berries, melon, and citrus for a refreshing contrast to the savory tetrazzini.
With these sides, your Chicken Tetrazzini will shine even brighter, making for a cozy, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Print
Chicken Tetrazzini Easy: 5 Steps to Comforting Goodness
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the mushrooms and sauté until they are soft.
- Stir in the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add the chicken broth and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Mix in the chicken, peas, and spaghetti. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker prep.
- Don’t overcook the spaghetti; it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken tetrazzini easy