Easy Chicken Tetrazzini: A Comforting Classic
In the realm of comfort food, few dishes evoke the same sense of warmth and satisfaction as Chicken Tetrazzini. Creamy, flavorful, and satisfyingly hearty, this classic dish has been a staple on dinner tables for generations. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to create your own delicious rendition of Chicken Tetrazzini with a simple and easy-to-follow approach.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
- 16 ounces linguini, cooked according to package directions
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Chicken and Pasta: Once the sauce is prepared, add the chopped cooked chicken and cooked linguini to the bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together until the chicken and pasta are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or spoon.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped herbs if desired, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious Chicken Tetrazzini!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Some Veggies: For an extra boost of nutrition and flavor, consider adding vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the casserole. Simply sauté them lightly before adding them to the dish.
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Short on time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch. This convenient shortcut will save you time without sacrificing flavor.
- Customize the Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are classic choices for Chicken Tetrazzini, feel free to experiment with other varieties such as sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
To make a keto or low-carb version of this dish, you’ll need to make a few substitutions to reduce the carb content:
- Pasta Replacement: Instead of traditional linguini, use low-carb alternatives such as zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles. These options are low in carbs and can be prepared similarly to regular pasta.
- Creamy Sauce Adjustments: Substitute the cream of chicken soup and sour cream with keto-friendly ingredients such as heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs for extra flavor.
- Cheese Choices: Opt for full-fat cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan, which are lower in carbs compared to their reduced-fat counterparts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use different protein sources? Absolutely! While chicken is the traditional choice for Chicken Tetrazzini, you can easily substitute it with cooked turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, Chicken Tetrazzini is an excellent make-ahead meal. Simply prepare the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? Certainly! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then portion it into individual servings and store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen Chicken Tetrazzini can be reheated in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy meal.
In conclusion, Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a timeless comfort food classic that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this simple and satisfying dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness of Chicken Tetrazzini today!
