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For this tasty dish, you'll need the following main ingredients: - 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 8 ounces spaghetti or egg noodles - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced - 1 cup frozen peas - ½ cup onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups chicken broth - 1 cup cream (or heavy cream alternative) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese - 4 tablespoons butter, divided - 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste You can add these optional ingredients to boost the flavor: - Cooked bacon or ham for added protein - Fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a fresh twist - Red pepper flakes for some heat Garnishes can elevate your dish. Consider these: - Fresh parsley, chopped - Extra Parmesan cheese for a cheesy touch - Lemon zest for a bright finish {{ingredient_image_2}} First, cook the pasta. You can use spaghetti or egg noodles. Boil the water, add the pasta, and cook it until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, we sauté the vegetables. In a large skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sliced mushrooms. Cook these for about five minutes. The onions should become clear and the mushrooms soft. This step adds great flavor to the dish. Now, it’s time to make the sauce. Once the vegetables are ready, add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook this for about one minute. You want to smell the garlic but not burn it. Next, sprinkle in four tablespoons of flour. Mix it well with the veggies to make a roux. This will help thicken your sauce. Slowly pour in three cups of chicken broth and one cup of cream. Whisk it all together. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and thickens. This usually takes about four to five minutes. Now we combine everything. Add the shredded chicken and frozen peas to the skillet. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients until they are well combined and heated through. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture. Stir in half of both cheeses, mozzarella and Parmesan. This helps to create a cheesy goodness throughout. Pour the full mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the rest of the cheeses on top. For extra flavor, dot the surface with the last two tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces. Cover the dish with foil and bake it for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. You want the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. Once it’s ready, let it cool for a few minutes. This dish looks great served directly from the baking dish. You can add a sprinkle of parsley for a nice touch! - Always boil water before adding your pasta. - Use a large pot to prevent sticking. - Salt the water generously; it adds flavor. - Cook pasta until al dente, firm but not hard. - Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it. This keeps the starch that helps sauces stick. Cooking pasta correctly is key to a great Chicken Tetrazzini. Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better when mixed with the sauce. - Start with a roux by mixing flour and butter. - Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cream. - Stir constantly to prevent lumps. - Cook until the sauce thickens and is smooth. This method creates a rich sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. The cream balances the flavors and adds a comforting touch. - Use enough sauce to coat all ingredients well. - Don’t overbake; this can dry out your dish. - Cover with foil during the first half of baking. - Add extra cream or broth if it seems dry before baking. These steps ensure your Chicken Tetrazzini stays moist and delicious. A well-balanced dish is key to comfort food success. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This dish is a great way to use up any leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken to save time in preparation. Make it Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready! Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as cheddar or gouda, for a unique twist on the traditional flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in your chicken tetrazzini. Try turkey, ham, or even shrimp. Each choice adds a new twist to this dish. For turkey, use leftover roast turkey from the holidays. This makes it a great way to use up leftovers. If you want something lighter, choose shrimp. Just make sure to cook them until they are pink and firm. This way, they stay tender in your dish. If you prefer a meat-free option, I have you covered! Substitute the chicken with hearty veggies. Use ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers. These add great flavor and texture. You can also include chickpeas or lentils for a protein boost. Just follow the same steps as the original recipe. The creamy sauce and pasta will still shine through. Want to kick up the flavor? Add more herbs and spices. Fresh thyme or rosemary can really enhance the dish. For a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a rich flavor. To make it even creamier, swap half the broth with white wine. This gives a lovely depth. Don’t forget to taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste buds! After enjoying your Make-Ahead Chicken Tetrazzini, you will have leftovers. To store them, follow these steps: - Let the dish cool to room temperature. - Transfer any remaining Tetrazzini to an airtight container. - Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This method keeps your meal fresh and tasty for later. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Freezing your Chicken Tetrazzini is simple and smart. Here’s how: - Allow the dish to cool completely. - Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. - Label it with the date and freeze for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy your tasty meal even later. Just remember to thaw it safely before reheating. Reheating your Chicken Tetrazzini correctly is key for flavor. Here are my tips: - For the oven: Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Tetrazzini in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 25 minutes or until hot. - For the microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. Using these methods helps maintain the creamy texture and flavor of your dish. Enjoy your comfort food again! Yes, you can use different pasta types for Tetrazzini. Spaghetti and egg noodles work well. You can also try penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente. This way, it won’t get too soft when you bake it. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour. The rest of the ingredients are usually gluten-free. Just check labels to be sure. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. Place the dish in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in the oven or microwave. This keeps it tasty and safe to eat. In this blog post, I covered how to create a delicious make-ahead chicken tetrazzini. We explored the main and optional ingredients, plus garnishes for a tasty finish. I provided step-by-step instructions, including tips for cooking pasta and making a creamy sauce. We also looked at variations to meet different tastes and storage tips for leftovers. Remember, with the right ingredients and tips, you can make this dish your own. Enjoy sharing this comforting meal with family and friends!

Make-Ahead Chicken Tetrazzini

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish made with chicken, mushrooms, and peas, perfect for make-ahead meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or egg noodles
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 0.5 cup onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cream (or heavy cream alternative)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the spaghetti or egg noodles according to the package instructions, boiling them until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
  • Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are tender.
  • Add Garlic and Create a Roux: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing it to become fragrant. Next, sprinkle in the flour, mixing it well with the vegetables to form a roux.
  • Make the Sauce: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and cream while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
  • Combine the Chicken and Peas: Add the shredded chicken, frozen peas, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined and heated through.
  • Preheat the Oven: As you prepare the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Combine Pasta and Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with the chicken mixture. Stir in half of both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.
  • Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly spread the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
  • Add Butter: Dot the surface with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, cutting it into small pieces and distributing them over the cheese.
  • Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil, then bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and turns a delightful golden brown.
  • Serve and Garnish: Once baked, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish for a homey feel, or spoon into individual bowls.
Keyword casserole, chicken, make-ahead, pasta