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Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken tetrazzini made from scratch: spaghetti, shredded chicken, mushrooms and peas in a creamy Parmesan sauce, baked under a crisp, buttery crumb topping.

By Tasty Nest Recipes Editorial TeamPublished

1 hr total One 9 x 13-inch casseroleEasy

Close-up of baked pasta with mushrooms and melted, browned cheese

Photo: @yakobusan Jakob Montrasio · CC BY 2.0. Illustrative photo; your results may look different.

About this recipe

Chicken tetrazzini is a retro American pasta bake that deserves a comeback. Spaghetti and tender chicken are folded into a velvety sauce of broth, milk, mushrooms and Parmesan, then baked until bubbling.

A golden crumb topping adds crunch. It is a smart way to use leftover roast or rotisserie chicken, and it can be assembled ahead for an easy weeknight dinner.

Equipment you'll need

  • Large pot
  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • 9 x 13-inch baking dish

Tips for success

  • Undercook the pasta slightly; it finishes cooking in the oven.
  • The sauce should look a little loose before baking, as the pasta absorbs it.
  • Use turkey for a classic post-holiday turkey tetrazzini.

Substitutions and variations

  • Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free bake.
  • Swap the peas for broccoli florets or spinach.
  • Use half-and-half instead of milk for a richer sauce.

Storage and reheating

To store: Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freeze, unbaked or baked, for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 30 minutes with a splash of broth, until hot in the centre (165°F / 74°C).

Recipe

Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken tetrazzini made from scratch: spaghetti, shredded chicken, mushrooms and peas in a creamy Parmesan sauce, baked under a crisp, buttery crumb topping.

Prep
20 min
Cook
40 min
Total
1 hr
Yield
One 9 x 13-inch casserole
Level
Easy

Ingredients

Tick off ingredients as you gather them.

Casserole

Topping

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook the pasta

    Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease the baking dish. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package directions, then drain.

  2. Step 2: Cook the mushrooms

    Melt the butter in the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the mushrooms and onion for 7 to 8 minutes until browned and soft. Add the garlic for 30 seconds.

  3. Step 3: Make the sauce

    Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the broth, milk and wine and simmer, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes until thickened. Add the thyme, salt and pepper.

  4. Step 4: Combine

    Off the heat, stir in the chicken, peas, half the Parmesan and the spaghetti until well coated. Spread in the baking dish.

  5. Step 5: Top and bake

    Mix the panko with the melted butter and remaining Parmesan and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling and golden.

  6. Step 6: Serve

    Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.

Cuisine: American · Course: Dinner

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
470
Protein
33 g
Fat
15 g
Carbs
50 g
Fibre
3 g
Sugars
4 g

Approximate values estimated from typical nutrition data for the listed ingredients, excluding optional toppings and serving suggestions. Actual values vary with brands, portion sizes and substitutions. Not verified by a dietitian or laboratory analysis.

tastynestrecipes.com/recipes/chicken-tetrazzini

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