Sinking your fork into a creamy, dreamy chicken tetrazzini is like giving yourself a warm hug from the inside. Imagine tender pieces of chicken nestled in a bed of rich, cheesy pasta, all drenched in a luscious sauce that’s as comforting as your favorite sweater on a chilly day. The aroma that wafts through your kitchen while it bakes is enough to make you feel like a culinary wizard, conjuring up magic with just a few simple ingredients.
This dish isn’t just for a cozy night in; it’s perfect for family gatherings or even those surprise visits from friends. Trust me, when you serve this chicken tetrazzini easy recipe, everyone will be asking for seconds—and maybe thirds! So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful adventure together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken tetrazzini easy recipe combines convenience with outstanding flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- The creamy sauce and tender chicken create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious
- Its visual appeal makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any meal
- Plus, you can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have at home
I remember the first time I made chicken tetrazzini for my family; their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning when they saw that bubbling dish come out of the oven.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
-
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; garlic breath is totally worth it here.
-
Pasta: Spaghetti or fettuccine works best; cook until al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.
-
Heavy Cream: This adds that luxurious creaminess; don’t skimp here unless you want sad pasta.
-
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is ideal; trust me, your taste buds will thank you later.
-
Frozen Peas: A pop of color and sweetness; plus, they require no chopping!
-
Mushrooms: Use fresh ones for added texture; sauté until golden brown for extra flavor.
-
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium is preferable; helps control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
-
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding that rich flavor base to our dish.
-
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those wonderful flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get ready for some serious comfort food magic happening soon!
Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook diced chicken until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes. The sizzle will make your kitchen smell incredible!
Add Vegetables: Toss in chopped mushrooms and minced garlic; sauté until mushrooms are soft and garlic smells fragrant—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
Creamy Sauce Creation: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth while stirring; bring to a light simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth—this is where the magic happens.
Toss in Pasta: Add cooked pasta and frozen peas to the skillet. Stir everything together until well coated with the creamy sauce—your heart may skip a beat at this point!
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle extra parmesan on top, then bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Get ready for compliments!
And there you have it: an easy and delightful chicken tetrazzini that brings smiles all around the table. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- Chicken tetrazzini easy is not just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl
- It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and comforting pasta, making it perfect for any occasion
- Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to impress guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta al dente while you sauté the chicken and prepare the creamy sauce. This way, everything comes together perfectly and saves time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different proteins like turkey or shrimp, and add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a flavor boost, use homemade chicken broth instead of water for cooking pasta
- Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving for a pop of freshness
- Don’t skip the cheese; it adds richness that makes this dish unforgettable
Cooking chicken tetrazzini easy reminds me of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited my version of this delightful dish. The laughter and compliments made all the effort worthwhile.
FAQ
What kind of chicken should I use for chicken tetrazzini easy?
Any cooked chicken works well; rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
Can I make chicken tetrazzini easy ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it a day before and simply bake when ready to serve.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cream?
You can use milk combined with flour to create a lighter sauce alternative.
Chicken Tetrazzini
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Chicken Tetrazzini! This easy recipe features tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich sauce that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook diced chicken for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Add chopped mushrooms and minced garlic; sauté until mushrooms are soft (about 3-4 minutes).
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth while stirring; bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add cooked pasta and frozen peas to the skillet; mix until well coated.
- Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 220g)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
