If you have a craving for comfort food that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to prepare, this Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is your answer. Imagine tender, shredded chicken mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce flavored with herbs and mushrooms, then topped with melty mozzarella and a golden crust. This dish brings together classic flavors in a way that’s both hearty and elegant, sure to become a household favorite within minutes of serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that turn a simple casserole into something memorable. From creamy dairy to aromatic herbs, every component contributes to that perfect balance of richness and comfort.
- Cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken: Offers tender, juicy protein that’s already packed with flavor and makes the dish quick to assemble.
- Spaghetti or egg noodles: The perfect base that soaks up the creamy sauce while providing a satisfying bite.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics and mushrooms to deepen the flavor.
- Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and a foundation layer of savory depth.
- Garlic: Infuses warmth and a fragrant kick that brightens the whole dish.
- Mushrooms: Deliver earthiness and tender texture, soaking up the sauce beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce without lumps.
- Chicken broth: Builds flavorful liquid that complements the chicken and blends with the cream.
- Heavy cream and whole milk: Create a luxuriously creamy sauce with a velvety mouthfeel.
- Dried thyme and rosemary: Sprinkle in herbal notes that tie the dish together and add warmth.
- Parmesan cheese: Packed with umami and sharpness to enhance the sauce and topping.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to add gooey, stringy goodness both inside and on top.
- Bread crumbs (optional): Give the casserole a crunchy, golden topping when baked.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the other flavors perfectly.
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish): Adds a burst of color and fresh brightness on the plate.
How to Make Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so your casserole doesn’t stick. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until just al dente, then drain it thoroughly—this prevents sogginess later. Shred your cooked chicken finely to ensure an even, harmonious distribution throughout the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender—this step builds deep, savory flavor that’s the heart of the recipe.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well, cooking for another minute or two to get rid of any raw taste. Then gradually whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps from forming, followed by heavy cream and milk. Add dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. This sauce is what makes the Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe truly irresistibly creamy.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Cheese, and Pasta
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the shredded chicken along with Parmesan and half of the mozzarella cheese. Add the cooked pasta and toss gently until every noodle is luxuriously coated. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly for consistent baking results.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of bread crumbs if you like a crunchy topping. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and beautifully golden on top. For an extra crispy finish, broil for a minute or two, watching closely to avoid burning. Let it rest briefly before serving to set the flavors.
How to Serve Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan is a small touch that makes a huge difference. Parsley adds a fresh, vibrant pop of green and lightens the richness, while Parmesan brings an extra savory punch that complements the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. These lighter sides balance the richness of the casserole and add wonderful textural contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions that feel extra special. You can also add sautéed spinach or peas inside the casserole mixture for added color and nutrition, making the presentation both vibrant and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish keeps its creamy texture surprisingly well and makes a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbling again, usually 20-25 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning or drying out. Microwaving works for a quicker option but may affect the topping’s crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or egg noodles are classic, you can experiment with penne, fusilli, or even a gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Is rotisserie chicken a good substitute for cooked chicken breast?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves time without compromising the dish’s deliciousness.
What can I use instead of heavy cream to make it lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce, but the texture and richness may be slightly different.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead and bake it later?
Definitely. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it comes straight from the fridge.
How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Adding bread crumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter before baking helps create a golden, crunchy crust. Broiling the last 1-2 minutes also gives a wonderful crisp finish.
Final Thoughts
This Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe brings warmth and elegance to your dinner table in one lovely casserole. It’s a dish with heart and soul that’s just waiting to be shared with friends and family. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to comfort meal for busy nights or special occasions alike.
Print
Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Deluxe Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting baked pasta casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This classic Italian-American dish combines savory herbs and melted mozzarella for a deliciously cheesy topping, baked to golden perfection.
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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside for later use.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti or egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: 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 are tender and release their moisture.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables in the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring frequently.
- Make Sauce: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. 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 the skillet from heat.
- Combine Chicken and Cheese: Stir the shredded cooked chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese into the sauce until well combined.
- Add Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy sauce mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared greased baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and top with bread crumbs if using. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. For a crispier topping, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut to speed up preparation.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free pasta and bread crumbs.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, use all heavy cream instead of mixing with milk.
- To enhance mushroom flavor, use a mix of cremini and button mushrooms.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; watch for bubbling and browning on top to know when it’s done.
