old fashioned chicken tetrazzini recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best old fashioned chicken tetrazzini recipe

I’ve been making chicken tetrazzini for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorite comfort foods. It’s a classic recipe that’s been around for generations, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and satisfying. The dish originated in Italy, where it was known as ‘Tetrazzini al Forno,’ named after the Italian opera singer La Galla Patti’s nickname ‘Tetrazzini.’ The recipe was popularized in the United States in the early 20th century by Italian-American chefs who adapted it to local tastes and ingredients.

The key to making a great chicken tetrazzini is in the preparation of the sauce – it’s all about creating a rich, creamy flavor that coats every bite of chicken and pasta. I use a combination of heavy cream, butter, garlic, and herbs to create that signature flavor. And don’t even get me started on the importance of using high-quality pasta – it makes all the difference in the world. As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe is quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions like holidays or family gatherings. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re making this dish – they get to help with everything from mixing the sauce to cooking the pasta. One of the best things about chicken tetrazzini is its versatility – you can customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs. For example, you can use low-fat cream or substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

You can also add different vegetables or proteins like mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked sausage to make it more substantial. I’ve tried many variations of this recipe over the years, but I always come back to this classic version. It’s just so comforting and satisfying – there’s something about the combination of pasta, chicken, and creamy sauce that hits all the right spots. In terms of health benefits, chicken tetrazzini is actually quite nutritious.

The heavy cream adds a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins like A and E, while the pasta provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. And let’s not forget about all those veggies you can add in – they pack a punch of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that will keep you going all day long. As an added bonus, this recipe freezes beautifully – simply assemble the dish as instructed, then freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge or reheat it on low heat until warmed through.

So if you’re looking for a reliable recipe that will please even the pickiest eaters in your household,

Old Fashioned Chicken Tetrazzini

Old Fashioned Chicken Tetrazzini

4.6 from 568 votes

A creamy, comforting casserole with tender chicken, spaghetti, and a rich mushroom sauce, topped with melted cheese. This classic dish is baked until golden and bubbly for a hearty family meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping

1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3Add the broken spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain in a colander and set aside.
4In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and dry sherry if using.
5Stir until smooth and well blended.
6Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, thawed peas, and half of the Parmesan cheese to the sauce mixture.
8Gently fold everything together until evenly coated and combined.
9Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
10Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
11In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until crumbly.
12Sprinkle this topping over the cheese layer.
13Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
14Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
15The casserole will be very hot; allow it to set slightly for easier serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Small bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 820mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken. You can substitute turkey for chicken. If you prefer a lighter version, use reduced-fat soup and sour cream.

Watch Video Of How Old Fashioned Chicken Tetrazzini Works

In conclusion, chicken tetrazzini is an old-fashioned recipe that never goes out of style due to its timeless flavor profile, simple preparation technique, and ease of serving options.

The dish remains one of my personal favorites, as well as my family’s go-to comfort food, since we first started making it years ago.

The fact that we still enjoy eating it today speaks volumes about its enduring appeal – whether we’re enjoying leftovers from last night’s dinner, serving guests at our weekly potluck gatherings, or indulging ourselves during special occasions such as holidays, it always hits all right spots every single time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Chicken Tetrazzini

Q: What type of pasta should I use for chicken tetrazzini?

In general, you want to use a medium-sized pasta shape like fettuccine or penne. This allows each strand of pasta to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.

Q: Can I substitute chicken breast with other protein sources?

Yes! You can use cooked sausage or bacon bits instead of chicken breast for added smokiness. Alternatively, try using diced ham or cooked shrimp for added variety.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Avoid over-reducing the sauce by stirring constantly while cooking. If needed, add a bit more heavy cream or milk to thin out the sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Sure! Simply substitute gluten-free pasta according to package instructions.

Q: Can I reheat leftover chicken tetrazzini?

Yes! Reheat on low heat until warmed through; be sure not to overheat as this can cause sauces to separate.

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