Delicious Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake Recipe

Are you searching for a comforting and delicious dish that can please a crowd? Look no further than Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake! This dish combines tender pasta, shredded chicken, and mushrooms, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Ideal for family dinners, it’s not just easy to prepare but is also a great option for freezer meals or occasions when you have guests over. The enchanting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes will have everyone eagerly awaiting their servings!

Imagine a rich, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base, creating an irresistible sight. The Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake is not only visually appealing but delivers a blend of flavors and textures that are satisfying and wholesome. With every bite, you experience the harmony of savory chicken paired with the earthiness of mushrooms and the creamy goodness of cheese—all encased within perfectly baked pasta. This classic recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake

This Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake is a delightful dish that brings multiple benefits to your dining table:

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce creates a flavor experience that is simply irresistible.
• Comfort Food: This dish embodies that classic comfort food feel, making it perfect for both cozy nights and family gatherings.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to simple weeknight dinners.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward instructions, it’s a dish that even novice cooks can master.
• Freezer Friendly: Make extra portions and store them; you’ll have a quick meal ready for future busy days.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To ensure a smooth cooking experience for your Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake, start by preparing your kitchen workspace. Gather all your ingredients and measuring utensils, ensuring that everything is at your fingertips as you cook. It’s also essential to have the right tools handy:

• a large pot for boiling water and cooking the pasta,
• a large skillet for preparing the sauce,
• a whisk for mixing the sauce ingredients thoroughly,
• a 9×13-inch baking dish for baking the final casserole,
• and baking foil for covering the dish while it bakes.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting the cooking process so that it’s ready for your Chicken Tetrazzini as soon as you finish preparing it. This will make assembly quicker, and the baking helpers will facilitate the cooking.

Ingredients

To create the delicious Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake, gather the following ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, broken in half
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broken spaghetti or linguine and cook it until just al dente. This will ensure the pasta holds its shape during baking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil or butter. Once heated, introduce the finely chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sauté these ingredients for about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are golden brown. After this, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Once your vegetables are cooked, sprinkle the flour evenly over them in the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute to mix. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, white wine (if using), and milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Continue to cook and stir the mixture for approximately 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Mix in the Creamy Ingredients

Bring down the heat to low and carefully mix in the sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and thyme or Italian seasoning. Stir this mixture until everything is well combined, and you have a smooth and rich sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Pour the creamy sauce over them, gently tossing to ensure every piece is well-coated. This is where the magic happens as the beautiful flavors meld together.

Step 6: Assemble the Bake

Toss the pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread it out. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, layering it generously over the top for that gooey finish. Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent over-browning during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. At this stage, keep an eye on it—it should be bubbling and golden brown on top.

Step 8: Let It Rest

After removing the Chicken Tetrazzini from the oven, allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This not only helps the casserole set but makes it easier to serve. Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Variations

• Protein: Substitute the chicken with turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
• Vegetables: Add peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers for more nutrients and flavors.
• Spices: Enhance your dish further with a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a kicked-up flavor profile.

Cooking Notes

• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be firm so they can retain their shape during baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• Pair with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce and flavors.

Tips

• For deeper flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months; reheat thoroughly before serving.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Sodium: 600mg

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine are classic choices, feel free to experiment with penne, fusilli, or any pasta variety you prefer.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute the chicken with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms for a delectable vegetarian option.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can assemble everything in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and a suitable flour substitute for the sauce.

Conclusion

In summary, Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake is a fantastic dish that combines comfort, flavor, and versatility into one delicious casserole. This recipe invites you to get creative and explore different variations while still delivering a hearty meal that will satisfy all. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share your experiences or variations in the comments below! We’d love to hear how your bake turned out and encourage you to share this recipe with friends and family for them to enjoy as well.

Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake

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• Author: Alioui
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Are you searching for a comforting and delicious dish that can please a crowd? Look no further than Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake! This dish combines tender pasta, shredded chicken, and mushrooms, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, broken in half
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broken spaghetti or linguine and cook it until just al dente. This will ensure the pasta holds its shape during baking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil or butter. Once heated, introduce the finely chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sauté these ingredients for about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are golden brown. After this, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Once your vegetables are cooked, sprinkle the flour evenly over them in the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute to mix. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, white wine (if using), and milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Continue to cook and stir the mixture for approximately 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
4. Bring down the heat to low and carefully mix in the sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and thyme or Italian seasoning. Stir this mixture until everything is well combined, and you have a smooth and rich sauce.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Pour the creamy sauce over them, gently tossing to ensure every piece is well-coated. This is where the magic happens as the beautiful flavors meld together.
6. Toss the pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread it out. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, layering it generously over the top for that gooey finish. Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent over-browning during baking.
7. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. At this stage, keep an eye on it—it should be bubbling and golden brown on top.
8. After removing the Chicken Tetrazzini from the oven, allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This not only helps the casserole set but makes it easier to serve. Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be firm so they can retain their shape during baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner

Nutrition

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Protein: 25 g