Traditional Chicken Tetrazzini

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Traditional Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting, creamy pasta dish that's perfect for cozy family dinners. It combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich sauce for a meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. Let's dive into this classic recipe that brings warmth to any table.

Ingredients for Traditional Chicken Tetrazzini

Spaghetti is the foundation of the dish, providing the perfect texture and base to soak up the sauce. Butter adds richness and helps to sauté the mushrooms to a golden perfection. The mushrooms bring an earthy depth and umami flavor, complementing the savory notes of the chicken.

Cooked chicken is the protein star of the meal—shred any leftovers you have or use a rotisserie chicken for convenience. Condensed cream of mushroom soup is key to achieving that classic creamy texture without a ton of fuss. Chicken broth enhances the overall flavor, making it more robust.

Heavy cream adds a luxurious touch to the sauce, ensuring every bite is creamy and delightful. Parmesan cheese brings a sharp, nutty flavor and forms a beautiful crust with the breadcrumbs when baked. Finally, olive oil keeps everything from sticking and adds a subtle fruitiness.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a stronger mushroom flavor, use a mix of different mushroom varieties.
  • For an extra crunch, toast the breadcrumbs lightly in a pan with some olive oil before sprinkling them on top.
  • Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Tetrazzini pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. For a more indulgent meal, serve it alongside garlic bread or a loaf of crusty French bread to mop up every bit of the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Consider making a homemade béchamel sauce if you're avoiding canned soup, or use cream of chicken for a different flavor profile.

Traditional Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this ensures it's ready when you need it. While the oven is warming up, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once it's al dente, drain it and set it aside for later.

Next, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté them until they're golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, and you'll know they're ready when they're tender and slightly caramelized.

Add your shredded chicken to the skillet with the mushrooms, giving it a good stir to combine everything. In a separate bowl, mix together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Pour this creamy mix over the chicken and mushrooms in the skillet.

Now, it's time to bring the whole dish together. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, gently tossing everything to combine. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste. Transfer this delicious mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

For the final touch, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs over the top. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Once it's done, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for using up leftover chicken.
  • Quick to prepare and easy to bake.
  • A family-friendly dish that pleases both kids and adults.
  • Rich, creamy sauce with a delightful crunchy topping.
  • Simple ingredients that are easy to find.

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
2 tbsp butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms, and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add shredded chicken to the skillet and combine with mushrooms.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
6. Stir the sauce mixture into the chicken and mushrooms, then add the cooked spaghetti.
7. Toss everything gently to combine, and season with salt and pepper.
8. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
9. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
11. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

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