Microwave Chicken Or Turkey Tetrazzini
A creamy, cheesy microwave chicken or turkey tetrazzini combining tender pasta with mushrooms, onions, and rich cheese flavors, perfect for quick family dinners or weeknight comfort food.
Ingredients
- 7 oz. package spaghetti ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 4 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for casserole) ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for top of casserole) ⓘ
- 2 cups turkey or chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup half and half or milk ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups cooked and shredded chicken or turkey ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Microwave spaghetti in 6 to 7 cups of very hot water with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon oil in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch dish for 9 minutes or cook on top of stove per package directions.
- Drain spaghetti and place in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch dish sprayed with Pam butter flavored cooking spray.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding cream cheese or a splash of white wine to the mixture. You can substitute the spaghetti with a gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. If you don't have half-and-half, whole milk works just fine. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the dish, adding freshness and flavor. For a quicker prep, use rotisserie chicken or turkey.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken or turkey tetrazzini hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving with garlic bread or alongside a warm bowl of soup. This dish is also great for potlucks and family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also add a splash of broth or milk if it seems dry. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Chicken Or Turkey Tetrazzini contains roughly 2123 calories, with 27g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 170g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (108% of the Daily Value), iron (83% of the Daily Value), and calcium (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2583mg per serving (112% 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 spaghetti is traditional, any pasta shape you prefer will work well. Penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat options can provide different textures and flavors. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this tetrazzini freezes well! After cooking, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! To create a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken or turkey with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra mushrooms for a heartier texture.
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).