Let me tell you about the ultimate comfort food—easy chicken tetrazzini! This creamy pasta dish is like a warm hug on a plate and it’s perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you just want something hearty and delicious. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and rich cheese all baked together creates a dreamy texture that’ll make your taste buds dance. I love making this dish for family gatherings; it’s always a crowd-pleaser! Everyone gathers around the table, and the moment I take it out of the oven, the cheesy aroma fills the room, drawing everyone in. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to recipe in your home too!

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your easy chicken tetrazzini. I promise, they’re all staples you can find at your local grocery store!

8 oz spaghetti (you can use whole wheat or gluten-free if you prefer!)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (great use for leftover rotisserie chicken!)
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (I love using cremini for extra flavor!)
1/2 cup onion, chopped (yellow or white onions work well)
2 cups chicken broth (homemade is best, but store-bought is totally fine)
1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious creaminess)
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp cheddar adds a nice kick)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (don’t skip this, it adds so much depth!)
1 tsp garlic powder (a must for flavor!)
1 tsp salt (adjust to your taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground is the best!)
2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing those onions and mushrooms)

How to Prepare Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Now, let’s dive into making this delicious easy chicken tetrazzini. I promise it’s simpler than it sounds! Just follow these steps and you’ll have a creamy, cheesy dish that everyone will love. Make sure to preheat your oven before you start cooking to ensure everything comes together perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want that cheese to melt just right!
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t overcook it, as it will bake more in the oven!
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sauté, but not smoking.
Add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant.
Next, stir in the shredded chicken, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Just let it all mingle together for a couple of minutes!
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to incorporate all those wonderful flavors.
Now, it’s time to combine! Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with that creamy mixture.
Transfer the delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. It’s going to be a cheesy masterpiece, I can already tell!
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese generously on top. Go ahead, don’t be shy with the cheese!
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Your kitchen will smell divine, trust me!
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation—perfect for those hectic weeknights!
Rich, creamy texture that feels like a warm hug.
Versatile—add your favorite vegetables or swap out the cheese for something different!
Uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have at home.
Leftover-friendly—great for using up rotisserie chicken and any extra veggies.
Bakes up beautifully, making it an impressive dish for family gatherings or potlucks.

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to whip up this easy chicken tetrazzini, here are some handy tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

Use leftover chicken: If you have any rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken from a previous meal, this is the perfect dish to use it up! It saves time and adds great flavor.
Add veggies: Feel free to toss in some frozen peas or diced bell peppers for an extra pop of color and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions and mushrooms!
Cheese choices: While cheddar and Parmesan are fantastic, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey texture or gouda for a smoky flavor.
Make it lighter: If you want a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. It still gives that creamy texture without being too heavy.
Don’t skip the preheating: Preheating your oven is key to getting that golden, bubbly cheese on top. It makes all the difference!
Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so start checking around the 25-minute mark. You want the cheese melted and slightly browned, but not burnt!

Variations of Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up, there are so many fun ways to customize this easy chicken tetrazzini! Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:

Vegetable Medley: Toss in some steamed broccoli, spinach, or even roasted zucchini for a colorful and nutritious twist! Just sauté them along with the mushrooms and onions.
Cheesy Delight: Experiment with different cheeses! Try adding mozzarella for extra gooeyness, or a sprinkle of feta for a tangy kick. The possibilities are endless!
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or basil to elevate the flavors. Just chop them up and stir them in right before you bake!
Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. It’ll give your tetrazzini a nice zing!
Seafood Option: If you’re a seafood lover, try swapping the chicken for shrimp or crab meat. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so the seafood doesn’t overcook!
Pasta Variety: While spaghetti is classic, feel free to switch it up with penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if you’re looking for a different shape or texture.

Remember, cooking is all about creativity! Don’t hesitate to play around with ingredients you have on hand and make this dish your own.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional information for one serving of this easy chicken tetrazzini. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, but this should give you a good idea of what you’re working with!

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 700mg
Cholesterol: 100mg

This dish is packed with protein, making it a satisfying meal that’ll keep you full and happy. Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious while still being mindful of your nutrition!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Let’s talk about how to store your leftover easy chicken tetrazzini so you can enjoy it even after the first serving! First off, once it’s cooled down a bit, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and delicious for a few days. If you’re planning to enjoy it later, it should be stored in the fridge and can stay good for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight to avoid any fridge odors seeping in!

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just portion it out in freezer-safe containers or even individual servings. It’s super convenient when you need a quick meal later on. Just remember to label them with the date so you know when you put them in.

When you’re ready to enjoy your refrigerated tetrazzini, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated all the way through. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a rush—just cover it with a microwave-safe lid to prevent splatters and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.

For frozen tetrazzini, it’s best to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can follow the same oven or microwave methods to warm it up. Just make sure it’s heated thoroughly before digging in. Trust me, it’ll still taste amazing, and you’ll be back for seconds!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making easy chicken tetrazzini? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and their answers to help you out.

Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the dish. You can sauté diced raw chicken in the skillet until it’s no longer pink, then follow the rest of the instructions as usual.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. Just keep in mind that it might not be quite as creamy, but it’ll still taste delicious!

How do I store leftovers?

After it cools, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing portions for later!

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like peas, bell peppers, or even spinach. Just sauté them along with the onions and mushrooms to keep everything nice and tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta, then yes! Just make sure to check the labels on all your ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.

How can I make it spicier?

If you want to kick up the heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mixture. It’ll add a nice zing to the creamy goodness!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!

What should I serve with chicken tetrazzini?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread. The freshness of a salad complements the creamy pasta beautifully!

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini: 5 Steps to Comforting Bliss

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Easy chicken tetrazzini is a creamy pasta dish made with chicken and mushrooms.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté onions and mushrooms until soft.
Add shredded chicken, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine cooked spaghetti with the chicken mixture.
Transfer to a baking dish and top with cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use leftover chicken for quicker prep.
Add vegetables like peas or bell peppers if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: easy chicken tetrazzini, chicken pasta, creamy chicken dish

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