Debbie'S Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini
Debbie's Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, mushrooms, and peppers, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 4 boneless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 6 cups water ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ⓘ
- 7 ounces spaghetti
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup melted margarine ⓘ
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 4 ounces mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 2 ounces pimento ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine water, salt, and pepper in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and add to the boiling water.
- Cover and reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes or until chicken is done.
- Drain the cooked chicken and set aside.
- Combine 6 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and olive oil in a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook for 10 minutes or until almost tender.
- Drain the spaghetti well and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, cooked spaghetti, chopped green pepper, mushrooms, pimento, cream of mushroom soup, milk, white wine, melted margarine, and 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Season with garlic powder and stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with Parmesan cheese and the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using grilled chicken instead of boiled. You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth if preferred. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Make sure to drain the spaghetti well to avoid excess water in the dish. This recipe can also be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy chicken tetrazzini pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or a side of roasted asparagus can also complement the dish nicely. For a comforting weeknight dinner, serve alongside Tasty Chicken Wings as an appetizer. It’s a hearty dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to keep moisture in and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Debbie'S Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini contains roughly 1177 calories, with 50g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (101% of the Daily Value), iron (63% of the Daily Value), and calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1919mg per serving (83% 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 chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works perfectly in this dish. Just shred or cube the cooked chicken and mix it into the other ingredients. This is a great way to use up any leftover meat from another meal, such as Cousin Allan'S Chicken, adding even more flavor to the tetrazzini.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple cream sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth. Just whisk the ingredients together and cook until thickened. Alternatively, a can of cream of chicken or even a cheese sauce can also work well in place of the cream of mushroom soup.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. It’s a convenient make-ahead meal option for busy nights.
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).