Welcome to another delightful recipe! If you’re a fan of creamy pasta bakes, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake with Mushrooms. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you need to impress guests, this dish combines tender chicken, mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce. Chicken tetrazzini is a fantastic comfort meal that will become a staple in your kitchen. Read on for this easy, step-by-step recipe!
Introduction
The Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake with Mushrooms is a classic American dish with Italian origins. It’s a popular baked pasta dish that combines chicken, mushrooms, a creamy sauce, and spaghetti, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. If you love comforting meals that are rich and creamy, this recipe is a must-try! It’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Fans of pasta dishes and casseroles will fall in love with the flavors and textures of this creamy chicken bake.
This recipe stands out because of the balance between the creamy sauce and the flavorful mushrooms, which add an earthy note to the dish. It’s a meal that will warm your soul and make you feel at home.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake
Before we dive into how to make this creamy pasta bake, let’s look at the ingredients. You’ll need the following to prepare this delicious dish:
- 12 oz spaghetti – Cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms – Button or cremini mushrooms are ideal
- 1/4 cup butter – Unsalted for the best control over flavor
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Helps to thicken the sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth – Use low-sodium if you prefer
- 1 cup heavy cream – For a rich, creamy sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a deliciously salty, cheesy flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper – To taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs – For the crunchy topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – To mix with the breadcrumbs
Optional Substitutions:
- Gluten-free pasta can be used for those avoiding gluten.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
- Vegetarian? Swap the chicken for tofu or roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake – Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the dish to bake evenly and ensures the breadcrumb topping becomes golden and crispy.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes or until tender and golden. This step brings out the natural flavors of the mushrooms, giving the dish an earthy richness.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir for about a minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened, which will take around 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Seasoning and Cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and season the sauce with salt and pepper. Allow the cheese to melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, flavorful base for the pasta.
Step 6: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or butter. Pour the pasta mixture into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 8: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil until well combined. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
Step 9: Bake
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. This will give the dish that perfect crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath.
Step 10: Let It Set
Once baked, allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the bake set and makes it easier to serve.
Helpful Tips for Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan can be a bit dry and less flavorful.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with more heavy cream.
- For a bit of extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce as it cooks.
- Season your mushrooms with a bit of thyme or rosemary while sautéing for an added layer of flavor.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake
- Undercook the pasta slightly before mixing it with the sauce. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during baking.
- Shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. You can also use leftover cooked chicken breasts or thighs.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the flour, pasta, and breadcrumbs are all certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake
This dish is quite filling on its own, but if you’d like to serve it with sides, consider the following:
- A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the bake.
- Garlic bread or crusty French bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Pair with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creaminess of the sauce.
Nutritional Information
The Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake with Mushrooms is rich and indulgent, perfect for an occasional treat. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
Storage and Leftovers for Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake
To store leftovers, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. The pasta bake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use fettuccine, linguine, or even penne for a different texture.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yes, you can freeze it. Assemble the dish, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
4. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Certainly! Turkey, ham, or even shrimp can be used as delicious alternatives in this dish.
Related Recipes for Chicken Lovers:
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake with Mushrooms recipe! It’s an easy-to-make, hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts or personal twists in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Print
Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake Recipe with Mushrooms
Description
Welcome to another delightful recipe! If you’re a fan of creamy pasta bakes, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake with Mushrooms. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you need to impress guests, this dish combines tender chicken, mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce. Chicken tetrazzini is a fantastic comfort meal that will become a staple in your kitchen. Read on for this easy, step-by-step recipe!
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti – Cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms – Button or cremini mushrooms are ideal
- 1/4 cup butter – Unsalted for the best control over flavor
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Helps to thicken the sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth – Use low-sodium if you prefer
- 1 cup heavy cream – For a rich, creamy sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a deliciously salty, cheesy flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper – To taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs – For the crunchy topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – To mix with the breadcrumbs
Optional Substitutions:
- Gluten-free pasta can be used for those avoiding gluten.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
- Vegetarian? Swap the chicken for tofu or roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the dish to bake evenly and ensures the breadcrumb topping becomes golden and crispy.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes or until tender and golden. This step brings out the natural flavors of the mushrooms, giving the dish an earthy richness.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir for about a minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened, which will take around 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Seasoning and Cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and season the sauce with salt and pepper. Allow the cheese to melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, flavorful base for the pasta.
Step 6: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or butter. Pour the pasta mixture into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 8: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil until well combined. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
Step 9: Bake
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. This will give the dish that perfect crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath.
Step 10: Let It Set
Once baked, allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the bake set and makes it easier to serve.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan can be a bit dry and less flavorful.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with more heavy cream.
- For a bit of extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce as it cooks.
- Season your mushrooms with a bit of thyme or rosemary while sautéing for an added layer of flavor.
