Chicken Rotini Tetrazzini
Creamy chicken and pasta dish featuring tender rotini, a rich sauce, and flavorful herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners and quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter; add chopped onion.
- Cook for 3 minutes or until tender.
- Dissolve chicken bouillon cube in hot water or milk; add to onion mixture.
- Stir in condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup, chopped cooked chicken, dried parsley flakes, and ground black pepper.
- Heat to boiling, stirring until sauce is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheese.
- Toss hot cooked pasta with sauce and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using a mix of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute for cooked chicken. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes if rotini isn't available. For added flavor, try incorporating garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Rotini Tetrazzini with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Quick Broccoli Cheese Soup for a comforting dinner. For an extra touch, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs just before serving to enhance the flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Rotini Tetrazzini contains roughly 461 calories, with 18g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), iron (72% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 615mg per serving (27% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tetrazzini and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly. When ready to serve, you can bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you want a lighter option, you can use a homemade white sauce or a low-fat cream of mushroom soup. Alternatively, vegetable broth mixed with a little cornstarch can create a similar consistency and flavor. This makes it suitable for those looking for vegetarian options.
Can I freeze Chicken Rotini Tetrazzini?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Prepare it as directed, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven until heated through.
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).