Saralyn'S Chicken Tetrazzini
Creamy chicken tetrazzini combines tender pasta, mushrooms, almonds, and a rich sherry sauce, topped with Parmesan, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti until just tender; drain and keep warm.
- Saute sliced mushrooms and chopped onions in butter until lightly browned.
- Blend in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken broth and cook, stirring, until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in cream and sherry.
- Combine half of the sauce with the cooked spaghetti.
- Pour the spaghetti mixture into a buttered baking dish.
- To the remaining sauce, add diced cooked chicken, diced pimento, and almonds; pour on top of the spaghetti.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme and parsley to the mushroom and onion sauté. For a lighter option, substitute half of the cream with low-fat milk or use a non-dairy alternative. If you prefer a different protein, leftover turkey can work as a great substitute for chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Tetrazzini with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a side of steamed vegetables can also complement the dish beautifully. For a comforting meal, pair with Southern Fried Chicken With Buttermilk for a delicious spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saralyn'S Chicken Tetrazzini contains roughly 757 calories, with 26g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (53% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1308mg 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 use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta's instructions.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace it with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra mushrooms for a heartier texture.
What can I use instead of sherry?
If you don't have sherry on hand, white wine or a splash of vinegar can be good substitutes. For a non-alcoholic option, use additional chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice to maintain the dish's acidity and flavor profile.
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).