Chicken Tetrazzini(Make Ahead)
Creamy chicken tetrazzini with mushrooms and Parmesan offers comforting flavors, perfect for make-ahead meals and family gatherings, combining tender chicken, pasta, and rich cream sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer the chicken in hot water with salt, onion salt, and celery salt until cooked. Remove the chicken from the bones in large pieces and reserve 2 1/2 cups of broth.
- Cook the pasta in boiling water with additional water added to the reserved broth, then drain and place in a baking dish.
- In a skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the mushrooms, lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Saute until tender.
- Toss the sauteed mushrooms over the pasta.
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter, then stir in 2 tablespoons of flour, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese to make a sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta and mushrooms. Sprinkle with paprika and pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate if making ahead. When ready to serve, bake until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you don't have spaghettini, any pasta shape works well, such as penne or fusilli. To save time, use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Adding some frozen peas or spinach can boost nutrition and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Tetrazzini pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting twist, serve alongside Methodist Potatoes for a hearty dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Tetrazzini(Make Ahead) contains roughly 201 calories, with 9g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1310mg per serving (57% 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 make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be made ahead. After assembling the dish, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal dish for meal prep or entertaining.
Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?
Absolutely! To freeze, ensure the dish is completely cooled, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What can I serve with Chicken Tetrazzini?
Chicken Tetrazzini is versatile! It pairs well with a light green salad, roasted vegetables, or good old-fashioned garlic bread. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of American recipes like coleslaw or baked beans.
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).