Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini
Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini offers tender chicken and sautéed vegetables in a creamy, flavorful sauce, topped with melted cheese. This comforting dish combines savory, cheesy, and herbaceous notes, making it perfect for family dinners or special gatherings that enjoy rich, hearty flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 small red pepper, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced green onions ⓘ
- 1/4 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 3/4 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 c. light cream ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dry sherry
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. rotelle pasta ⓘ
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Nokkelost or Jarlsberg cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown chicken pieces in butter in a large skillet.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned.
- Stir in red pepper strips and green onions; cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in flour and cook for several minutes until blended.
- Gradually add chicken broth, light cream, and dry sherry, stirring constantly.
- Cook until the sauce is thickened and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Toss the sauce with cooked rotelle pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
- Spoon the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven, top with shredded Nokkelost or Jarlsberg cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. You can substitute the light cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. If you don't have dry sherry, white wine or chicken broth can work as alternatives. Adding a dash of garlic powder or nutmeg can enhance the overall taste. For a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with the shredded cheese before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette pairs well to balance the richness of the dish. It also complements well with garlic bread or a crusty baguette. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Party Peas for a burst of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tetrazzini in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini contains roughly 326 calories, with 14g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (92% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1321mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of Nokkelost or Jarlsberg cheese?
If you can't find Nokkelost or Jarlsberg cheese, you can substitute with Gruyère, Swiss cheese, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will add a unique taste and texture, so choose according to your preference.
Can this dish be frozen?
Absolutely! Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini freezes well. Ensure it is completely cooled, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, or microwave individual portions directly from frozen, adjusting the time as needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).