Lori'S Chicken Tetrazzini
Lori's Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole with tender chicken, mushrooms, and peppers, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- large hen or 2 fryers ⓘ
- 1/2 stick butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper ⓘ
- 8 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
- small jar pimentos, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. grated Cheddar
- 2 Tbsp. jalapeno sauce or relish (optional) ⓘ
- 4 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cans chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil chicken in seasoned water until done.
- Debone and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté onion, celery, and green pepper in butter.
- Cook spaghetti in chicken broth until al dente.
- Add pimentos, grated Cheddar, jalapeno sauce (if using), sliced mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, and additional chicken broth as needed.
- Pour mixture into a baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly, about 35 to 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of canned. You can substitute the spaghetti with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. If you don't have jalapeno sauce, try using a touch of hot sauce for a similar kick. Additionally, consider adding vegetables like peas or spinach for more nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lori's Chicken Tetrazzini with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Microwave Tomato Citrus Soup for a comforting dinner. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside steamed broccoli or green beans. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed, which helps to maintain the dish's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lori'S Chicken Tetrazzini contains roughly 736 calories, with 8g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C.
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?
Yes, using leftover chicken is a great way to save time. Just shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the sautéed vegetables and other ingredients. This will make the recipe quicker and just as delicious!
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?
Yes, Chicken Tetrazzini freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in the oven until heated through.
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).