Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake Recipe: Family Favorite

Delightful chicken tetrazzini pasta bake brings comfort and nostalgia to your dinner table with its creamy, cheesy goodness.

Memories of childhood kitchens dance through each tender bite of this classic dish.

Pasta lovers appreciate the rich, velvety sauce that coats every strand of noodles.

Crispy breadcrumbs add a perfect crunch to the smooth, bubbling casserole.

Weeknight meals become extraordinary with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Cheese melts into golden perfection, creating a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

Dive into this irresistible comfort food that promises to become a new family favorite.

Flavor Variations on Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content and adding vegetable nutrients. Adjust cooking time to prevent excess moisture.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Select gluten-free pasta like brown rice or chickpea pasta for similar texture.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with roasted cauliflower or plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for protein and flavor complexity.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese and select dairy-free butter alternative for sauce preparation.

Pairing Suggestions for Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake

• Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's heaviness and provide a zesty, fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread with herbs to soak up the creamy sauce and add a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Prepare roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sea salt to add a caramelized, slightly bitter element that brightens the pasta's rich profile.

Storage Tips for Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake

• Transfer cooled chicken tetrazzini to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Pack the pasta bake in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then place in a preheated 350°F oven. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Chicken Tetrazzini?

The main ingredients include spaghetti, chicken breasts, mushrooms, onions, garlic, chicken stock, heavy cream, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, peas, and breadcrumbs.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. It reheats well and maintains its delicious flavor and texture.

• Can I substitute the type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine or linguine. Just ensure they’re similar in thickness to spaghetti for consistent cooking.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, use less cheese, and opt for whole wheat pasta to create a lighter version of the dish.

Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake to Savor

• Simplify Cooking Process: Transform complex culinary steps into a seamless, enjoyable experience with straightforward techniques that make cooking feel like a breeze.
• Packed with Flavor Variety: Enjoy a delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, hearty mushrooms, and melted cheeses that create a symphony of tastes in every single bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Meal: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners where everyone craves a satisfying and filling pasta dish that brings smiles to the table.
• Adaptable Ingredient Options: Customize the recipe by swapping proteins, adding different vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake

• Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy protein that forms the core of the casserole.

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that provides the base for this comforting dish.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy, golden topping to enhance texture.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that create a rich, melty layer.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to a smooth and luxurious sauce.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a golden roux.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth of flavor.
• Mushrooms: Earthy vegetables that bring additional texture and taste.
• Peas: Sweet green vegetable that adds color and nutrition.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that enhances overall flavor profile.

• Chicken Stock: Provides a savory foundation for the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adding a subtle flavor.

How to Cook Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Slide the oven rack to the middle position. Warm up the oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and drop in spaghetti.

Cook until pasta reaches al dente texture. Drain and rinse quickly with cool water.

Let pasta sit with slight moisture to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken

Cut chicken breasts horizontally into thinner cutlets.

Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken until golden brown on each side. Check internal temperature reaches 160-165°F.

Rest chicken for 5-10 minutes. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Mushrooms
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook until vegetables become tender and fragrant.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

Melt remaining butter in the pan. Whisk in flour until golden.

• Chicken stock
• Heavy cream

• Mozzarella
• Parmesan cheese

Season to taste.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

• Cooked pasta
• Chicken pieces
• Peas
• Sautéed mushrooms

Ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 8: Assemble Casserole

Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.

• Remaining mozzarella
• Remaining parmesan
• Breadcrumbs

Step 9: Bake and Crisp

Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges bubble and top turns golden.

Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Tips to Nail Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake

• Rinse pasta briefly to stop cooking and prevent sticking, maintaining a slight moisture for better texture.
• Use the same skillet for multiple steps to minimize dish cleanup and enhance flavor depth through residual ingredients.
• Select fresh mushrooms for maximum flavor and ensure they release moisture completely during sautéing to prevent watery casserole.
• Adjust cheese blend based on preference, considering mixing different varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyère for complex taste profile.
• Allow chicken to rest after cooking to retain juiciness, then slice or shred into consistent bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the dish.

Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic chicken tetrazzini pasta bake blends creamy sauce with tender pasta and succulent chicken. Comforting Italian-American casserole delivers rich flavors with parmesan cheese and mushroom depth you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 lbs (681 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb (454 g) spaghetti
• 1 lb (454 g) brown mushrooms, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups (480 ml) unsalted chicken stock or broth
• 1 cup (117 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (107 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (136 g) peas, fresh or frozen
• 1/2 cup (120 g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (64 g) finely diced yellow onion
• 1/2 cup (71 g) all-purpose flour
• 4 liters water
• 1/4 cup (32 g) breadcrumbs, plain or panko
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (10 g) minced garlic
• 1 tbsp (4 g) freshly chopped parsley
• 5 tsps (30 g) kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• Additional salt and pepper for seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, positioning the rack in the middle position for optimal heat distribution.
2. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook spaghetti until al dente, approximately 9-10 minutes. Drain and rinse briefly to stop cooking, keeping pasta slightly moist to prevent sticking.
3. Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thinner cutlets and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 160-165°F. Rest for 5-10 minutes, then shred or dice into ½-inch pieces.
5. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds. Incorporate mushrooms, salt, and pepper, cooking until mushrooms release moisture and become tender.
6. Create a roux by melting butter and stirring in flour until golden. Whisk in chicken stock and cream until smooth. Remove from heat and blend in mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, seasoning to taste.
7. Combine sauce with pasta, chicken, peas, and sautéed mushrooms, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
8. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs, spreading evenly.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges bubble and top turns golden brown. Optional: broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

• Prevent pasta from sticking by rinsing with cool water and leaving slight moisture, ensuring smooth mixing later.
• Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Experiment with different protein alternatives like turkey, shrimp, or plant-based options for dietary variety and personal preference.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the sautéing stage for more depth and nutrients.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 518 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 564 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg