Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini combines tender chicken, mushrooms, and green peppers in a rich, smooth sauce, served over spaghetti—perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken breasts, reserving 2 cups of the broth, then chill and dice the chicken.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat; add flour and stir for 3 to 4 minutes until blended.
- Slowly stir in the reserved chicken broth, cream, and sherry to the roux.
- Season the sauce with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer and stir the sauce with a wire whisk until thick, smooth, and hot.
- Sauté chopped onion and green pepper in 2 tablespoons of butter; remove from pan.
- Sauté sliced mushrooms until tender.
- Add sautéed onion, green pepper, and mushrooms to the sauce and mix well.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; place in the bottom of a greased casserole dish.
- Top the spaghetti with the cooked chicken and sauce mixture.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the sauce. If you're out of sherry, a splash of white wine or even chicken broth can work as a substitute. To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own, making this dish quicker to prepare.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy chicken tetrazzini with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with Potatoes Duchess for a comforting meal. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.
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) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You may want to add a splash of cream or broth to keep the dish moist during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini contains roughly 778 calories, with 10g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (59% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1288mg per serving (56% 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?
Absolutely! While thin spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if desired. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose to ensure it's perfectly al dente.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make a lighter version, consider using whole grain or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta. You can also replace heavy cream with a low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative and use less butter in the sauce while adding more vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. This makes it a great option for easy meal prep or entertaining.
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).