Chicken Tetrazzini(Low-Fat And Cholesterol)
A flavorful, low-fat chicken tetrazzini with mushrooms, Parmesan, and sherry, perfect for a comforting family dinner that balances rich flavors with health-conscious ingredients.
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 processed cream cheese product ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sherry ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 (2 oz) jar diced pimento, drained ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz) package spaghetti, cooked ⓘ
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 and cook briefly.
- Gradually add chicken broth, skim milk, and light processed cream cheese product; bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat; stir in 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and drained diced pimento.
- Stir in cooked spaghetti and chicken into the mushroom mixture.
- Spoon the mixture into a deep 3-quart casserole coated with cooking spray.
- Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the casserole and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic along with the mushrooms and onions. You can substitute low-fat cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. If you're looking to make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta and flour. To make it even lighter, reduce the amount of margarine used. This Chicken Tetrazzini is a great way to use leftover chicken or turkey.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Tetrazzini alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a light vinaigrette to complement the creamy flavors. For a heartier option, consider serving it with a side of roasted potatoes or Benja'S Potato Casserole for an added comfort food touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Tetrazzini(Low-Fat And Cholesterol) contains roughly 503 calories, with 17g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value) and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1525mg per serving (66% 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 pasta for this dish?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose. It’s a versatile recipe that accommodates different preferences.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers will enhance the dish while keeping it hearty and satisfying.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mushroom mixture while sautéing. You can also incorporate a splash of hot sauce into the sauce for additional heat. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
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).