Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my ultimate comfort food: chicken tetrazzini pasta bake! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, with its creamy texture and rich flavors that just make you feel at home. Picture tender pieces of shredded chicken mingling with perfectly cooked spaghetti, all enveloped in a velvety cream of mushroom sauce. And don’t even get me started on the cheesy topping—it’s like a golden crown of deliciousness! This pasta bake is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. Trust me, once you bring this beauty to the table, everyone will be asking for seconds. It’s satisfying, tasty, and oh-so-easy to whip up. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients for Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients for this creamy chicken tetrazzini pasta bake! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftover or rotisserie works great!)
- 8 ounces spaghetti, cooked (make sure it’s al dente, we want it to hold up!)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (fresh is best for that earthy flavor)
- 1/2 cup onions, chopped (adds a lovely sweetness)
- 2 cups cream of mushroom soup (the star of our creamy sauce)
- 1 cup chicken broth (for extra flavor, yum!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (because cheese makes everything better)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for that cheesy, nutty finish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (a must for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (just the right kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process a breeze! Trust me, once you have these ingredients on hand, you’ll be all set to create something truly delicious.
How to Prepare Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this creamy chicken tetrazzini pasta bake! It’s super straightforward, and I promise the end result is worth every step.
Prepping the Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, let’s get our ingredients prepped! Shred your cooked chicken if you haven’t already—this can be leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie. Cook your spaghetti until it’s just al dente, so it holds its shape in the bake. Slice those mushrooms and chop your onions. The smell of those onions sautéing will be heavenly!
Mixing the Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, sliced mushrooms, and chopped onions. In another bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken and pasta, then sprinkle in half of the cheddar cheese. Mix it all together gently, making sure everything is well-coated in that luscious sauce.
Baking the Dish
Next, transfer your deliciously mixed ingredients into a greased baking dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese on top—this is where the magic happens! Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden on top. I can’t wait for you to see (and smell!) the deliciousness that comes out!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this creamy chicken tetrazzini pasta bake is about 1 cup and packs a flavorful punch with approximately 350 calories. You’ll also get 15 grams of fat, which includes 7 grams of saturated fat, and a hearty 25 grams of protein to keep you satisfied. Plus, it has around 35 grams of carbohydrates to fuel your day. With just 2 grams of sugar and 800 mg of sodium, it’s a balanced dish that feels indulgent without the guilt. Perfect for a comforting meal any night of the week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy flavor that satisfies your comfort food cravings.
- Great for using up leftover chicken or pasta.
- One dish means less cleanup—score!
- Delicious as leftovers, making it a meal you can enjoy again.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or cheeses for a twist!
Trust me, once you try this chicken tetrazzini pasta bake, it’ll become a staple in your home! You’ll love how easy it is to whip up something so hearty and delicious.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your chicken tetrazzini pasta bake turns out perfectly! First off, always try to use fresh ingredients when you can. Fresh mushrooms and onions really elevate the flavors and give that extra oomph to the dish. If you want to switch things up, consider adding some cooked peas or bell peppers for a pop of color and nutrition. Another fun tip? Experiment with different cheeses! A blend of mozzarella and gouda can add a delightful twist to the classic cheddar topping.
Also, don’t skip on the seasoning. A little extra black pepper or some Italian herbs can really enhance the flavor profile. Finally, if you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep. This dish is all about convenience and comfort, so make it yours and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Variations of Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake
The beauty of this chicken tetrazzini pasta bake is its versatility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For instance, why not throw in some fresh spinach or steamed broccoli for a burst of color and added nutrition? If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the chicken for shredded turkey or even cooked shrimp for a seafood twist!
Cheese lovers, rejoice! Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey melt or pepper jack for a spicy kick. You could also mix in some cream cheese for an extra creamy texture. And if you want to use a different type of pasta, go ahead! Penne or fusilli will work beautifully too. Trust me, the possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own delicious flair to this comforting dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep those tasty leftovers of your chicken tetrazzini pasta bake fresh and delicious! Once the dish has cooled down, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly to keep that creamy goodness intact!
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you have a couple of options. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick fix—just pop it in for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. If you prefer a crispy top, place the portion in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to keep it moist, and heat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Either way, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to enjoy again in no time!
FAQ About Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake
Can I substitute the chicken? Absolutely! You can use turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even cooked shrimp for a delicious twist.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? No worries! You can make your own by mixing equal parts of sour cream and chicken broth with some sautéed mushrooms for flavor.
Can I add more vegetables? Yes! Feel free to toss in some peas, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and color. Just sauté them lightly before mixing!
How do I serve it? This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a full meal!
Can I freeze leftovers? You sure can! Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Print
Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake: 7 Comforting Layers of Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A creamy chicken tetrazzini pasta bake with mushrooms and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces spaghetti, cooked
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup onions, chopped
- 2 cups cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, spaghetti, mushrooms, and onions.
- In another bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and pasta mixture.
- Add half of the cheddar cheese and mix well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken tetrazzini, pasta bake, creamy chicken bake
