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Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that has been a staple in many households for decades. Combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory pasta, it’s the ultimate comfort food that can feed a crowd. This casserole is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking to make something simple and delicious, this guide will walk you through making the perfect Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole.
Table of Contents
The Origin of Chicken Tetrazzini
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the history of Chicken Tetrazzini. Named after the Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini, the dish is said to have been created in the early 20th century by a chef in San Francisco. While there are several versions of Tetrazzini (including turkey and seafood), chicken has become the most popular variation. The dish traditionally includes pasta, chicken (or turkey), a creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping.
Ingredients for Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole
One of the best things about Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is its versatility. You can make it with pantry staples or customize it to your preferences. Below is a classic version of the dish, but feel free to tweak it based on what you have on hand.
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, leftover rotisserie chicken works great)
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine (cooked al dente)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko works well for a crispy topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give the oven time to heat up while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or fettuccine until just al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want the pasta to be slightly undercooked because it will continue cooking in the casserole. Once done, drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onions and mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until they are softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, add the heavy cream, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir the sauce until it’s well combined and smooth. Simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
5. Add the Chicken and Pasta:
Now, add the cooked, shredded chicken to the sauce and stir well to coat all the chicken pieces. Once the chicken is coated, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing everything thoroughly until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Incorporate the Cheeses:
Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese into the pasta mixture. The cheeses will melt into the sauce, making it even creamier and more decadent.
7. Assemble the Casserole:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the chicken and pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese until combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor if desired.
Tips and Variations
1. Use Leftover Chicken or Turkey
One of the best parts of this dish is that it’s a great way to use leftover chicken or turkey. If you have leftover turkey from a holiday meal, it can easily be substituted for the chicken in this recipe. Rotisserie chicken is also a convenient option.
2. Make It Ahead
Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole can be made ahead of time, making it a great dish for meal prep or entertaining. Simply assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold dish.
3. Add Vegetables
If you want to add some extra nutrition to the dish, you can incorporate vegetables like peas, spinach, or broccoli. Simply mix the vegetables into the pasta mixture before transferring it to the casserole dish.
4. Gluten-Free Option
To make the casserole gluten-free, you can substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. There are also gluten-free versions of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups available at most grocery stores.
5. Lighten It Up
If you want to make a lighter version of Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half. You can also use reduced-fat cheese and soups to cut down on calories.
6. Cheese Substitutions
While cheddar and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses to add different flavors to the casserole. Try Gruyère, mozzarella, or even gouda for a twist on the traditional recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs well with simple side dishes that complement its richness. Here are a few suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: The crunch of garlic bread makes a nice contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add texture and flavor to the meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so delicious!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, cover the casserole with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will give you a crispier topping.
If you want to freeze the casserole, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is a classic comfort food that is both versatile and easy to make. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory pasta make it a family favorite, while the crispy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or as a make-ahead meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
With its rich history and endless variations, Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole remains a beloved dish for good reason. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover chicken, experiment with different flavors, and create a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
