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Introduction
Chicken Tetrazzini Delight combines tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The layers of flavors and textures make it a family favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
300g spaghetti
200g mushrooms, sliced
60ml olive oil
120g butter
60g all-purpose flour
500ml chicken broth
250ml heavy cream
100g Parmesan cheese, grated
150g mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
60ml dry white wine
Salt and pepper to taste
10g fresh parsley, chopped
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
To prepare Chicken Tetrazzini Delight, start by preheating your oven to 180°C. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing.
In the same pan, add some butter and sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until soft and fragrant. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Next, in a large pot, melt the remaining butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly incorporate the chicken broth and white wine, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Then add the cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and spaghetti, mixing everything until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden. Finally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving, and enjoy this delightful meal with family and friends!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
In a pan, heat 60ml of olive oil over medium heat. Add 500g of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook until they are golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pan, add 60g of butter. Sauté 1 finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 200g of sliced mushrooms until they are soft and fragrant.
Step 4: Cook Spaghetti
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook 300g of spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a large pot, melt the remaining 60g of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 60g of all-purpose flour to form a roux. Gradually add 500ml of chicken broth and 60ml of dry white wine while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Stir in 250ml of heavy cream, 100g of grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the sliced cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms and onions, along with the cooked spaghetti. Mix everything well until evenly combined.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle 150g of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and garnish with 10g of freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Tip for Chicken
For more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for additional texture and nutrition.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing Instructions
Chicken Tetrazzini can be frozen before baking. Cover tightly and store for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
To store leftovers, allow the Chicken Tetrazzini Delight to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire dish in the oven at 180°C until heated through. If baking from frozen, allow for additional time until it is thoroughly warmed.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Tetrazzini Delight is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Serve it alongside a crisp garden salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette would also complement the rich flavors of the dish. For a festive touch, you can sprinkle additional fresh parsley or serve with a side of steamed vegetables.
Nutritional Information
Per serving, Chicken Tetrazzini Delight contains approximately:
– Calories: 620
– Protein: 35g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Fat: 35g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 2g
– Sodium: 750mg
Please note that these values may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Chicken: You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts with cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
– Pasta: Instead of spaghetti, whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta can be used to accommodate dietary preferences.
– Mushrooms: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, consider using chopped bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
– Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, though the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
– Cheese: If you’re looking for a different flavor, substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano and mozzarella with provolone or cheddar.
– White Wine: You can omit the dry white wine altogether or replace it with additional chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice.
Cook Techniques
Searing Chicken
Searing the chicken creates a golden-brown crust, enhancing flavor and locking in moisture. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken for the best results.
Sautéing Vegetables
Sautéing onions, garlic, and mushrooms in butter adds depth to the dish. Cook them until they are soft and fragrant to maximize their flavor.
Making a Roux
A roux is a mixture of equal parts flour and fat used to thicken sauces. Cook it for a minute until slightly golden before adding liquids to avoid raw flour taste.
Whisking for Smoothness
Whisk continuously when adding chicken broth and wine to the roux to achieve a smooth, lump-free sauce. This technique ensures a creamy consistency for the dish.
Baking for Perfection
Baking the assembled dish at the correct temperature allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to become bubbly. Monitor closely to prevent over-browning.
FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, shredded or diced leftover chicken works great for this dish and can save you time.
Can I substitute the pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta such as penne or fusili depending on your preference.
Is there a vegetarian version of Chicken Tetrazzini?
Yes, replace chicken with sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Conclusion
Chicken Tetrazzini Delight is a perfect dish that brings together the warmth of home-cooked comfort food with a gourmet touch. Each bite offers a delicious combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta that is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that creates lasting memories during family gatherings and dinner parties.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Tetrazzini
Swap the chicken for an assortment of seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian version of Tetrazzini.
Seafood Tetrazzini
Incorporate shrimp or crab meat into the recipe for a seafood twist that adds a touch of elegance to this classic dish.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake
Add steamed broccoli to the chicken mixture for added nutrition and color. Top it with extra cheese for an even cheesier experience.
Pesto Chicken Tetrazzini
Incorporate pesto sauce into the creamy mixture for a burst of flavor. This adds a vibrant green color and delicious herbaceous notes.
Sundried Tomato Chicken Tetrazzini
Mix in sundried tomatoes for a tangy twist. Their rich flavor pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the sauce.
Spicy Chicken Tetrazzini
Add a kick by including diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce in the sauce mixture for spice lovers.
Gluten-Free Tetrazzini
Substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish without dietary restrictions.
Herbed Chicken Tetrazzini
Enhance the recipe with fresh herbs like thyme or basil to bring a fragrant aroma and vibrant flavor that complements the creamy elements.
Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini
Utilize leftover turkey from holiday meals by replacing the chicken, making it a great way to enjoy holiday fare in a new form.
