Description: A comforting and creamy baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken, linguini noodles, a rich and flavorful sauce, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or potluck. This recipe provides a simple and delicious take on a classic comfort food, without relying on complex ingredients or time-consuming techniques.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups full-fat sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock, preferably low sodium
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped (approximately 2-3 cups)
- 16 ounces (1 pound) linguini pasta, cooked according to package directions until al dente
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Before you begin the assembly process, ensure that your chicken is fully cooked and cooled slightly to allow for easy handling and chopping. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the linguini according to package directions, aiming for an al dente texture. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the casserole. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce base. This streamlined process ensures a smooth and efficient workflow.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the oven to reach the correct temperature before you begin baking, ensuring even cooking and melting of the cheese. Prepare a 9×13 inch glass baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring that all ingredients are well incorporated. This step creates the foundational flavor and texture of the tetrazzini sauce. Tasting the sauce at this stage allows for any seasoning adjustments to be made before adding the chicken and pasta.
Step 3: Add the cooked, chopped chicken to the bowl containing the sauce. Mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring that the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. This even distribution of sauce enhances the flavor and moisture of the chicken throughout the casserole. If desired, you can reserve a small amount of chicken to sprinkle on top of the casserole for visual appeal.
Step 4: Add the cooked and drained linguini to the same mixing bowl with the chicken and sauce mixture. Gently toss until the pasta is fully and evenly incorporated into the sauce, ensuring that each strand of linguini is coated. This step is crucial for achieving a cohesive and flavorful casserole. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can cause the pasta to break.
Step 5: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch glass baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly across the dish, creating a uniform layer. This ensures even cooking and browning of the casserole.
Step 6: Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the surface of the casserole. Then, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella. The mozzarella provides a melty, stretchy texture, while the parmesan adds a sharp, savory flavor and a slightly browned crust.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the casserole. If the cheese begins to brown too quickly, you can tent the dish with foil.
Step 8: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents burning your mouth.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a winner because it delivers the ultimate comfort food experience without the fuss. It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal prep time and using readily available ingredients. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy topping create a symphony of flavors and textures that everyone will love. It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you crave a hearty and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s easily customizable – you can add vegetables, different cheeses, or adjust the seasonings to your liking. The fact that it’s a one-dish meal also makes cleanup a breeze!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Taste: Delicious
- Overall: Highly Recommended
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad of mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans provide a healthy and colorful accompaniment.
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
- A simple fruit salad makes a refreshing dessert to complete the meal.
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Don’t overbake the casserole, or the sauce will dry out.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat sour cream.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or carrots for extra nutrients and flavor. Sauté them before adding to the sauce.
- To prevent the cheese from browning too quickly, tent the casserole with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 700-800mg (can be lower if using low-sodium broth and adjusting salt to taste)
Conclusion:
This Easy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is a delightful and stress-free way to enjoy a classic comfort food dish. With its simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and customizable nature, it’s a recipe that you’ll turn to again and again. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bubbly cheese create a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly comforting and memorable dish. 5 Questions and Answers About Easy Chicken Tetrazzini:
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of linguini?
A: Absolutely! While linguini is the traditional choice for Chicken Tetrazzini, you can easily substitute it with other long pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking. Each pasta type will offer a slightly different texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment and find your personal favorite. For instance, using penne will allow the sauce to be trapped inside the tubes of pasta, making each bite extra flavorful.
Q2: I don’t have sour cream. Can I substitute it with something else?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute sour cream! A good alternative would be plain Greek yogurt, which offers a similar tanginess and creaminess while also being a bit lower in fat. You could also use crème fraîche or even cream cheese (softened) blended with a little milk or chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile might be slightly different depending on the substitution you choose, so taste and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this Chicken Tetrazzini recipe?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the dish. Some popular choices include sautéed mushrooms, peas, carrots, broccoli florets, or even spinach. I would recommend sautéing any vegetables that take longer to cook (like mushrooms or carrots) before adding them to the sauce mixture. Frozen vegetables like peas can be added directly to the sauce without pre-cooking. Adding vegetables not only provides a healthier meal but also adds color and texture to the final product.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prepare this Chicken Tetrazzini ahead of time! Assemble the casserole as instructed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure the casserole is heated through. This is a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re preparing for a potluck. Make sure you keep the casserole covered tightly so it does not dry out in the fridge.
Q5: My tetrazzini came out a little dry. What did I do wrong, and how can I prevent that from happening again?
A: Several factors could have contributed to a dry tetrazzini. Firstly, ensure you aren’t overbaking it. Keep an eye on the casserole and remove it from the oven as soon as the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through. Overbaking can cause the sauce to evaporate. Secondly, make sure you have enough liquid in the sauce. If it seems too thick before baking, add a splash more chicken broth or milk. Thirdly, if your oven tends to run hot, consider lowering the temperature slightly. Finally, if you’re using pre-cooked chicken, make sure it’s not too dry to begin with, or it will absorb moisture from the sauce. To prevent dryness in the future, consider covering the dish with foil during the initial part of baking and removing it during the last 10-15 minutes to brown the cheese. Also, always cook your pasta al dente and do not overcook it, this will prevent dry noodles.
