Introduction
Chicken Tetrazzini Delight
This creamy and comforting Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is perfect for a delicious family dinner. Featuring tender chicken, mushrooms, and pasta in a rich sauce, it’s a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
400g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
300g spaghetti
100g mushrooms, sliced
120g grated Parmesan cheese
200ml chicken broth
400ml milk
50g all-purpose flour
50g unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
60ml dry white wine
Salt and pepper to taste
20g chopped fresh parsley
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt 25g of butter over medium heat. Add garlic and mushrooms, sautéing until mushrooms are tender. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 25g of butter. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, then add the wine. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
5. Add cooked chicken breasts, mushrooms, and half of the Parmesan to the sauce. Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture, making sure everything is well-coated.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms
In a large skillet, melt 25g of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until the mushrooms are tender. Remove the mixture from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 25g of butter. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, then add the dry white wine. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked chicken breasts (chopped or shredded), sautéed mushrooms, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir to combine thoroughly, then season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Mix in the Spaghetti
Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture, ensuring that all the spaghetti is well-coated with the sauce.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the spaghetti and sauce mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Step 8: Bake the Dish
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Chicken Preparation
You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time in this recipe.
Note 2: Pasta Alternatives
Feel free to substitute spaghetti with another type of pasta such as fettuccine or penne.
Note 3: Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian alternative, omit the chicken and increase the amount of mushrooms or add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
Note 4: Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Note 5: Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing the container.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze Chicken Tetrazzini for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, you can bake it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through, or microwave it in short increments until warm, stirring in between.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Tetrazzini pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Consider serving it with garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. A light white wine can also complement the flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Chicken Tetrazzini (1/4 of the recipe) approximately contains:
– Calories: 500
– Total Fat: 24g
– Saturated Fat: 12g
– Cholesterol: 90mg
– Sodium: 600mg
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugars: 4g
– Protein: 30g
Please note that these values may vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey for a quicker option.
– Pasta: Substitute spaghetti with any pasta shape, such as penne or fettuccine.
– Mushrooms: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, consider using spinach or zucchini instead.
– Milk: For a dairy-free version, you can replace milk with almond or oat milk.
– Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free alternative, or you can use any cheese of your choice for flavor.
– Flour: Gluten-free all-purpose flour can be substituted for a gluten-free version of this dish.
– White Wine: You can omit the wine and increase the chicken broth if desired.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing
In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and mushrooms over medium heat until the mushrooms are tender, which enhances their flavor.
Making a Roux
Create a roux by melting butter and stirring in flour. Cook for about one minute before slowly adding liquids, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
Thickening Sauce
Gradually add chicken broth and milk to the roux while stirring to achieve a thick, creamy sauce.
Baking
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish and bake until golden and bubbly, creating a delicious crust on top.
FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken is perfect for saving time and adding flavor.
What type of pasta can I substitute for spaghetti?
You can use penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you prefer, though cooking times may vary.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can use whole-grain pasta, low-fat milk, and reduce the amount of cheese for a healthier version.
Can I make Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with Chicken Tetrazzini?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Chicken Tetrazzini Delight is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort to the dinner table. With its creamy texture and flavorful combination of chicken, mushrooms, and pasta, it’s not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe will surely leave everyone asking for more.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Tetrazzini
Substitute chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, and zucchini, for a delightful vegetarian version.
Seafood Tetrazzini
Incorporate shrimp or scallops in place of chicken to create a rich and indulgent seafood tetrazzini.
Spicy Chicken Tetrazzini
Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick that elevates the flavors of this classic dish.
Cheesy Tetrazzini
Mix in a variety of cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for an extra cheesy version that is sure to impress.
One-Pot Tetrazzini
Make it a one-pot meal by cooking the spaghetti directly in the sauce, reducing cleanup while retaining maximum flavor.
Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers by using turkey instead of chicken, creating a festive and flavorful dish.