Chicken Tetrazzini Bake
Creamy chicken tetrazzini bake features tender chicken, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese in a flavorful sage and onion sauce, topped with Swiss cheese for a hearty, comforting meal suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sliced onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 3 cups cubed cooked chicken or turkey ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) package spaghetti, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimientos, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook sliced onion in margarine until tender.
- Stir in flour, salt, ground sage, and pepper.
- Cook until bubbly.
- Stir in chicken broth, milk, and sliced mushrooms. Cook and stir until mixture boils and is slightly thickened.
- Stir in cooked, cubed chicken or turkey, chopped parsley, diced pimientos, and cooked spaghetti.
- Spoon the mixture into an ungreased 12 x 8-inch (2-quart) baking dish.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped Swiss cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or using half-and-half instead of milk. You can substitute the chicken with leftover turkey or even a vegetarian protein like tofu or chickpeas. If you're short on time, frozen vegetables can be a convenient addition instead of fresh mushrooms. For added flavor, try incorporating a splash of white wine when cooking the onions.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Tetrazzini Bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For an added crunch, serve alongside Shoe String Potato Salad. A light white wine, such as Chardonnay, complements the dish perfectly, enhancing the creamy flavors without overpowering them. Consider garnishing with additional parsley for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Tetrazzini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Tetrazzini Bake contains roughly 685 calories, with 22g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (114% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and calcium (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1678mg per serving (73% 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 for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pastas may require varying times to become al dente.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce ends up too thick, simply stir in a bit more chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. It's important to add the liquid gradually and stir well to avoid lumps. A splash of broth also enhances the flavor and keeps the dish creamy.
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).