Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting pasta bake featuring tender sautéed chicken, mushrooms, and peas combined with a rich Parmesan-infused sauce. This classic Italian-American casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, making it perfect for a hearty family dinner.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Chicken and Vegetables
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Staples and Seasonings
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter (amount not specified, approximately 2 tbsp for sautéing)
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until tender, approximately 5 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the chicken.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with mushrooms. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and Italian seasoning. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until it slightly thickens and flavors meld.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the fettuccine or spaghetti al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta well.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In a large bowl or directly in the skillet, combine the cooked pasta, creamy mushroom sauce, sautéed chicken, and frozen peas. Mix until evenly coated.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added golden crust. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned on top.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated to enhance the sauce flavor.
- Feel free to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, though the sauce will be less rich.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle hint of heat.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Keywords: Chicken Tetrazzini, creamy chicken pasta bake, baked pasta casserole, comfort food, Italian-American recipe