Chicken Metrazzini
Creamy chicken pasta baked with Parmesan and mushrooms, featuring a rich white sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked, diced chicken
- 1 lb. spaghetti or fettucine noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups light cream or evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cans mushrooms ⓘ
Instructions
- Make a white sauce by melting butter, then stirring in flour, light cream or evaporated milk, and chicken broth. Cook on medium heat until thickened.
- Add cooked, diced chicken, mushrooms, and cooked spaghetti to the sauce. Mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a large, greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of light cream or evaporated milk. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey for a different flavor. Adding sautéed garlic or onions can enhance the dish's depth. If you want to add veggies, try incorporating peas or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Metrazzini with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the dish's richness. For a comforting touch, pair it with Asparagus With Cream Cheese Soup as a starter. A light white wine also complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Metrazzini contains roughly 336 calories, with 9g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1650mg per serving (72% 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 use uncooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Simply cook the chicken separately before adding it to the sauce. You might want to season and sauté it for added flavor. This method ensures the chicken is fully cooked and flavored before mixing it with the sauce.
What can I substitute for the noodles?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. For lower-carb alternatives, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash can work well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed to ensure they're cooked to your preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
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).