Chicken Spaghetti Tetrazzini
Chicken Spaghetti Tetrazzini is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a creamy white sauce. With its rich flavors and hearty texture, it's perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests seeking a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Wash, cook, and dice the chicken.
- Sauté the green pepper, celery, and mushrooms in 1/8 pound of butter until tender.
- Make a white sauce by melting 2/3 stick of butter, then stirring in the flour, chicken broth, and milk until smooth and thickened.
- Combine the cooked chicken, spaghetti, sautéed vegetables, and pimentos in a mixing bowl.
- Pour the white sauce over the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Bake at 400°F for 1 hour or until light brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Chicken Spaghetti Tetrazzini, consider using rotisserie chicken for convenience and added depth. If you want a lighter option, substitute whole wheat spaghetti or zucchini noodles. For added texture, throw in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. Don't forget to season your vegetables with salt and pepper as they sauté for optimal flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken Spaghetti Tetrazzini with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful finish. This dish also pairs beautifully with creamy shrimp bisque for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Spaghetti Tetrazzini contains roughly 259 calories, with 8g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 509mg per serving (22% 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 a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can easily substitute spaghetti with other pasta types such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose to ensure it's cooked al dente.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.
What vegetables can I add to the recipe?
Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your taste. Broccoli, peas, or even spinach can be great additions, adding both color and nutrition to the dish.
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).