Traditional Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe: A Complete Guide

 Traditional Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe: A Complete Guide

Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic comfort food that has been loved for generations. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish brings together the best of Italian-inspired American cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a traditional family recipe or a modern twist, chicken tetrazzini is versatile and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

What is Chicken Tetrazzini?

Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy pasta casserole made with cooked chicken, spaghetti or other pasta, a rich sauce (usually cream-based), and topped with cheese. Named after the Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini, this dish became popular in the United States in the early 20th century. It’s a hearty, filling meal that combines protein, pasta, and a flavorful sauce, often baked until bubbly and golden on top.

Traditional Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked al dente

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1/2 cup green peas (optional)

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp flour

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup milk or cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Boil spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.

2. Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk to make a smooth sauce. Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.

3. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, pasta, mushrooms, peas, and sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

4. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

5. Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy traditional chicken tetrazzini!

Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe Pioneer Woman

The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, brings a homestyle, flavorful touch to chicken tetrazzini. Her recipe emphasizes easy-to-find ingredients and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s perfect for family dinners. Key points include using rotisserie chicken for convenience and adding extra cheese for richness.

Best Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

The best chicken tetrazzini recipe balances creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. Many cooks swear by combining both cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups for the richest flavor. A touch of Parmesan cheese and baking until golden ensures a delicious finish.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Recipes from Campbell's

Campbell’s offers easy chicken tetrazzini recipes using their canned soups. Using ingredients like cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup simplifies the process, making it quick yet flavorful. These recipes are ideal for beginners or busy weeknights.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini AllRecipes

AllRecipes provides multiple variations of chicken tetrazzini, ranging from simple weeknight casseroles to gourmet versions. Many of these recipes emphasize:

• Using leftover chicken

• Minimal preparation steps

• Creamy sauces

• Optional vegetable additions like peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini with Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of mushroom soup is a classic ingredient in chicken tetrazzini, providing a rich and earthy flavor. To make this version:

1. Mix cream of mushroom soup with milk or broth to thin slightly.

2. Combine with cooked chicken, pasta, and vegetables.

3. Bake until bubbly and golden.

This version is quick, creamy, and comforting.

Tetrazzini Sauce

The heart of chicken tetrazzini is its sauce. A traditional tetrazzini sauce can be made from:

• Butter and flour roux for thickening

• Chicken broth and milk for creaminess

• Optional soups (cream of mushroom or cream of chicken) for depth of flavor

• Cheese like Parmesan for richness

The sauce should coat the pasta and chicken evenly without being too runny.

Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe with Cream of Chicken Soup

Using cream of chicken soup in chicken tetrazzini adds an extra layer of creamy flavor. A simple method is:

1. Mix cream of chicken soup with a bit of milk or broth.

2. Combine with cooked pasta, chicken, and any vegetables.

3. Top with breadcrumbs and cheese, then bake until golden.

This recipe is especially handy when you want a rich, comforting casserole with minimal effort.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Tetrazzini

• Use day-old pasta: It holds up better in baking.

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta absorbs sauce while baking.

• Add extra cheese: Mozzarella or Parmesan enhances creaminess.

• Optional vegetables: Peas, mushrooms, and bell peppers add flavor and color.

• Let it rest: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to set the sauce.

Conclusion

Traditional chicken tetrazzini is more than just a casserole—it’s a comforting, versatile dish that can be adapted in many ways. Whether you follow a classic recipe, try the Pioneer Woman version, or make a quick Campbell’s-inspired casserole, this dish always delivers creamy, cheesy, and satisfying flavors. With a rich tetrazzini sauce and your favorite chicken, this recipe will surely become a family favorite

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