Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This creamy, cheesy casserole, featuring tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, is a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly easy to make. This guide will walk you through creating a truly delicious Chicken Tetrazzini, addressing common questions along the way.
What is Chicken Tetrazzini?
Chicken Tetrazzini is a baked pasta dish featuring cooked chicken, typically fettuccine or other long pasta, a creamy sauce (often based on a béchamel or a cream of mushroom soup), mushrooms, and cheese, all baked until bubbly and golden brown. Its origins are somewhat debated, but it's generally considered an American adaptation of Italian cuisine. The dish is rich, savory, and undeniably comforting.
What kind of pasta is best for Chicken Tetrazzini?
While fettuccine is traditionally used, you have some flexibility! Other long pasta shapes like linguine, spaghetti (broken into smaller pieces), or even egg noodles work well. The key is to choose a pasta that holds its shape and doesn't become mushy during baking.
What are the best mushrooms for Chicken Tetrazzini?
Cremini mushrooms are a popular choice for their earthy flavor and firm texture. However, you can also use button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or even a mix for a more complex flavor profile. Sautéing the mushrooms before adding them to the sauce helps to develop their flavor and reduce their moisture content.
How to Make Chicken Tetrazzini: A Step-by-Step Recipe
This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fettuccine or other long pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or diced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook until tender, about 5 minutes more.
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine ingredients: Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and parsley. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover roasted or cooked chicken is a great way to save time and add flavor. Just make sure it's shredded or diced before adding it to the sauce.
How can I make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?
You can assemble the Chicken Tetrazzini (without the mozzarella cheese) up to a day ahead of time. Cover the baking dish and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the mozzarella cheese and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
Is Chicken Tetrazzini gluten-free?
Traditional Chicken Tetrazzini is not gluten-free due to the flour in the sauce and the use of regular pasta. However, you can easily adapt the recipe by using gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you could substitute half-and-half or even milk, but the sauce will be less rich. You could also try using full-fat coconut milk for a unique twist.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tetrazzini! It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
