Chicken Tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting and creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken and noodles with a rich sauce of cheeses and soups. Perfect for family dinners, its blend of flavors from sautéed onions and bell peppers creates a delightful harmony that will please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, sauté onions and bell pepper in margarine.
- Stir in flour slowly until thickened.
- Add celery salt, salt, pepper, and cheese; stir until melted.
- Gradually add 2 cups of milk, then stir in the soups, chopped chicken, and cooked noodles.
- Transfer mixture to a shallow baking dish and cover with bread crumbs.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until browned on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine along with the milk. You can substitute the chicken with turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. For added flavor, try incorporating garlic or using sautéed mushrooms in place of some of the bell pepper. If you like a bit of crunch, top with crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Tetrazzini hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, such as Garden Chicken Salad, or steamed vegetables. A side of garlic bread also complements the creamy sauce nicely, making for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Tetrazzini contains roughly 494 calories, with 9g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1886mg per serving (82% 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for Chicken Tetrazzini. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it in with the other ingredients as you would with boiled chicken.
Is there a gluten-free option for the noodles?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta in place of regular noodles. There are many good options available that will work well in this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as gluten-free pasta can differ from traditional noodles.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's 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).