Chicken Tetrazzini(Cooking Light)
Creamy chicken tetrazzini combines tender chicken, mushrooms, and a rich Parmesan sauce, making it a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 3 cups presliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/3 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 1/3 cups canned no-salt-added chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 cups skim milk ⓘ
- 1/4 cup light process cream cheese product ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sherry
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add mushrooms and onion and sauté for 7 minutes or until liquid evaporates.
- Stir in all-purpose flour.
- Gradually add chicken broth, skim milk, and light process cream cheese, stirring constantly.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, sherry, and diced pimiento.
- Set aside and serve as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting the margarine with olive oil and using low-fat cream cheese. To enhance flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. If you prefer a bit of spice, a dash of red pepper flakes can bring warmth to the dish. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or turkey for a quick prep. This Chicken Tetrazzini can be customized with vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Tetrazzini pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, serve with garlic bread or a slice of crusty baguette. You could also explore pairing it with a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the dish's creamy flavors. For a twist, consider serving it alongside Squash And Onion Casserole for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to retain moisture, warming at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Tetrazzini(Cooking Light) contains roughly 1256 calories, with 42g protein, 245g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (182% of the Daily Value), iron (145% of the Daily Value), and protein (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 765mg per serving (33% 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 other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a lovely flavor, you can substitute with shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a different taste. Keep in mind that each cheese will slightly alter the creaminess and overall flavor profile, so choose one that complements your preference.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Chicken Tetrazzini gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Also, ensure that the chicken broth and any other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this comforting dish without gluten.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and mix it with cooked pasta ahead of time. Simply assemble it, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you're ready to serve, just pop it in the oven until bubbly. This method is great for meal prepping or serving at gatherings.
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).