Oh my goodness, have you ever had a dish that just feels like a warm hug? That’s exactly how I feel about chicken tetrazzini with cream of mushroom soup! I can still remember the first time I made it for my family on a chilly evening. The smell wafting through the kitchen was pure magic! It’s creamy, comforting, and so incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick meal that satisfies. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this delightful combination of tender chicken, pasta, and that rich, flavorful sauce, you’ll want to make it again and again. And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry! Let’s dive into this comforting recipe together!
Ingredients List
Before we get cooking, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make this delicious chicken tetrazzini with cream of mushroom soup. Having your ingredients prepped and ready to go makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option!)
- 8 oz spaghetti, uncooked (or any pasta you have on hand)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (this is the magic base that brings everything together)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium is a great choice)
- 1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw, just toss them in)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (who doesn’t love a cheesy topping?)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% works best for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for that extra flavor kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste (season to your preference)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley for garnish (totally optional, but it adds a nice touch!)
Now that we have all our ingredients lined up, we’re ready to create some kitchen magic! Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand—cooking is all about being flexible and making it your own!
How to Prepare Chicken Tetrazzini with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Alright, let’s get this creamy goodness into your oven! I promise, this chicken tetrazzini is super simple and oh-so-satisfying. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First up, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step because you want your tetrazzini to bake evenly!
- While the oven is heating up, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente—this means it should still have a little bite to it. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth.
- Now, it’s time to add the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, frozen peas, and half of the Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Gently stir everything until it’s well combined. You want all that goodness mixed in!
- Transfer your mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, making sure it’s spread evenly. This will help it bake nicely.
- Top it off with the remaining Parmesan cheese for that irresistible cheesy crust!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and golden on top—oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for a minute before garnishing with chopped parsley. Then, dig in and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the spaghetti! Remember, it’ll continue cooking in the oven, so al dente is the way to go.
- If you’re using frozen peas, there’s no need to thaw them; just toss them straight into the mix—they’ll cook perfectly in the oven!
- For an extra crispy topping, consider broiling the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it, so it doesn’t burn!
- Feel free to switch things up! You can add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and veggies.
- And remember, this dish is all about comfort! If you like it creamy, don’t hesitate to add a splash more milk or broth.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s take a look at the estimated nutritional information for our delicious chicken tetrazzini with cream of mushroom soup! Just keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but here’s a rough breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
This comforting dish is packed with protein and flavor, making it a satisfying meal for sure! Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite without any guilt—it’s all about balance, right?
FAQ Section
Got questions? No worries! Here are some common queries I’ve heard about chicken tetrazzini with cream of mushroom soup, along with helpful answers to make your cooking experience even better!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand—penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta work great! Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can make a simple homemade version using a roux (butter, flour, and milk) with sautéed mushrooms. Alternatively, try cream of chicken soup or a different creamy soup, like cream of celery!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven—cover it with foil to keep it from drying out!
Can I freeze chicken tetrazzini?
Yes! This dish freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven!
What are some variations I can try?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can add different veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or even spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. If you want to spice it up, toss in some cooked bacon or diced jalapeños. For a cheesy twist, mix in some shredded cheddar along with the Parmesan!
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! This creamy chicken tetrazzini is usually a hit with kids. The comforting flavors and cheesy goodness make it a family favorite. Plus, you can let them help in the kitchen—it’s a fun way to get them involved!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this chicken tetrazzini comes together in no time—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy, cheesy goodness of this dish is like a warm embrace, making it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
- Family-Friendly: Kids usually love this dish! It’s a great way to get them excited about dinner, and they can even help mix the ingredients together!
- Versatile: Feel free to customize it! Add in your favorite vegetables or swap the chicken for turkey or even leftover ham for a fun twist.
- Great for Leftovers: This tetrazzini tastes even better the next day! It stores well, making it a perfect meal prep option for lunch or dinner.
- One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks in one baking dish, which means less cleanup for you—yay!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have your delicious chicken tetrazzini with cream of mushroom soup ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to make your meal even more delightful! These sides will complement the creamy goodness of the tetrazzini perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and adds that comforting crunch to your meal.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is a fantastic way to balance the richness of the tetrazzini. Add some sliced cucumbers or avocado for extra flavor!
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green, lightly steamed broccoli is not just healthy but adds a nice pop of color to your plate. Drizzle a bit of lemon juice on top for a refreshing twist!
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss some seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven. They’ll bring a lovely caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the dish.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing can elevate your meal to a restaurant-level experience!
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a nice crunch and a bit of acidity to cut through the creaminess of the tetrazzini, making it a refreshing side option.
Mix and match these sides to create your perfect meal! Any of these options will enhance your chicken tetrazzini experience, turning it into a feast that your family will love. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this creamy chicken tetrazzini with cream of mushroom soup, and now you’re wondering how to store those delicious leftovers? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Proper storage will help keep your dish fresh and tasty for the next meal.
First, let the tetrazzini cool completely at room temperature before storing. This will help prevent condensation from making it soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunch or dinner options!
If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Easy peasy!
Now, let’s talk reheating. If you’re reheating a single serving, the microwave is super quick and convenient. Just pop it in for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to heat it evenly. If you’re reheating the whole dish, I recommend using the oven to keep that nice, creamy texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the baking dish with foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat it for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through.
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your tasty chicken tetrazzini again and again, savoring every comforting bite!
chicken tetrazzini
cream of mushroom soup
nutritional information
Chicken Tetrazzini with Cream of Mushroom Soup Made Easy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
A creamy and comforting chicken tetrazzini made with cream of mushroom soup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, frozen peas, and half of the Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before shredding.
- You can substitute the chicken with turkey for a different flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- For a crispy topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken tetrazzini, cream of mushroom soup, easy chicken recipes
