Description
Comfort meets elegance in this classic chicken tetrazzini, a creamy pasta dish blending tender chicken, mushrooms, and parmesan in a luxurious sauce. Rich layers of flavor and texture create a satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 lb spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
Dairy and Sauce Components:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup milk
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup white wine
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing its surface to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta in generously salted boiling water until it reaches an al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until they release their moisture and become tender and slightly caramelized.
- Pour white wine into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and reduce, which will concentrate the flavors and create a rich base for the sauce.
- Incorporate heavy cream and milk into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and fold in grated parmesan cheese until completely melted and integrated.
- Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and gently fold them into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Combine the prepared pasta with the chicken and sauce, mixing thoroughly and adding reserved pasta water if the mixture seems too thick.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and creating a uniform layer.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs and additional parmesan cheese over the top, creating a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges become slightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, adding a bright, fresh note to the rich dish.
Notes
- Swap out heavy cream for lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories and create a healthier version of the dish.
- Experiment with gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Enhance the protein content by adding additional vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas to boost nutritional value and create more texture.
- For a vegetarian adaptation, replace chicken with plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, or roasted cauliflower, maintaining the creamy sauce’s rich flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 715
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg