Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic American pasta casserole named after the Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini. This dish combines tender chicken, mushrooms, and pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
The origins of Chicken Tetrazzini can be traced back to the early 1900s, with some sources attributing its creation to Ernest Arbogast, the chef at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, where Luisa Tetrazzini made her American debut. Other sources claim it was created at the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City. Regardless of its exact origins, Chicken Tetrazzini has become a beloved dish in American cuisine.
Chicken Tetrazzini
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tetrazzini:
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles or the pasta of your choice gluten-free works great
- 5 tablespoons butter divided
- 3 large cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces baby mushrooms sliced thin
- 3 cups cooked chicken chopped small
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour brown rice flour works great for gluten-free
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt adjust as needed, if using store-bought chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook and drain the pasta according to the directions on the package. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Mushrooms
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and mushrooms, and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally. Add the chicken, toss to coat, and remove from the heat.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the flour into the melted butter and then slowly add the chicken broth, whisking to combine. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 2 minutes and then add the cream. When the sauce begins to simmer again, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer on low, stirring constantly for 8-10 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Tetrazzini
- Place the pasta in a 9×13 baking dish and then spread the chicken mixture over top of it. Pour the sauce over everything to coat thoroughly and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese has melted. Stir and sprinkle with parsley, if desired, before serving.
Tips and Information
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bring it to room temperature and bake as directed.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or spinach to the filling.
- Cheese Topping: For a crispy topping, mix some breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking.
Preparing Chicken Tetrazzini at home allows you to enjoy this classic dish with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re familiar with traditional American casseroles or exploring them for the first time, Chicken Tetrazzini is a dish that will surely delight your taste buds.