How to make Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb linguine
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ÂĽ cup butter, softened
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13 baking dish with softened butter. This keeps the noodles from sticking to the dish and adds a bit of richness along the edges.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil linguine for one minute less than the package directions. Drain it well. Slightly undercooked pasta holds up better during baking.
Pro Tip: Shake the colander to remove excess water because moisture can thin the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, minced garlic, sour cream, chicken broth, dried parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until you have a smooth mixture.
Pro Tip: For a lump-free sauce, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.
Step 4: Add Cheese to the Sauce
Blend in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the cheddar cheese. This creates a rich and creamy base for the casserole before baking.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Fold the cooked linguine and shredded chicken into the creamy sauce. Make sure every noodle is evenly coated.
Pro Tip: Use a rubber spatula to gently mix everything together so you don’t break the pasta.
Step 6: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Spread the chicken and pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Level the top to ensure even melting during baking.
Step 7: Add Remaining Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top. This will give you a golden and bubbly crust once baked.
Step 8: Bake
Place the dish in a preheated oven set to 375°F and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until it is hot and lightly browned on top.
Pro Tip: If you want extra browning, you can broil the top for 1–2 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes scooping easier for everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole
This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it combines tender chicken and pasta with a rich and creamy sauce, making every bite satisfying. The blend of cheeses adds a gooey texture that will make you crave more. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish fits both casual and special occasions perfectly.
Nutritional Benefits
This casserole is not just delicious but also nutritious. It includes cooked chicken, which provides lean protein essential for muscle repair and growth. The cream cheese and sour cream offer calcium, important for healthy bones, while garlic adds flavor and is known for its health benefits, including boosting the immune system. Plus, with the addition of parsley, you’re getting an herb rich in vitamins.
What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole
This casserole can be a meal on its own, but you might want to pair it with some sides to make a full dinner. Here are some ideas:
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Green Salad: A simple salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch to your meal.
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Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread complements the creamy flavors and adds a savory twist.
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Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans are great options to add some color and nutrition to your plate.
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Wine Pairing: A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, goes well with the creamy and savory notes of the casserole.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole
If you have leftovers (which is often the case with this hearty dish), here’s how to store them:
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In the Fridge: Allow the casserole to cool completely and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
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In the Freezer: To freeze, portion the casserole into airtight containers or freezer bags. It can last up to 2–3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rewarming.
Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
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Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook your linguine just under the recommended time. Overcooked pasta can become mushy during baking.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Keeping your cream cheese and other creamy ingredients at room temperature makes for a smoother sauce without lumps.
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Watch the Broiler: If you choose to broil your casserole for extra crispiness, stay close to the oven and keep an eye on it. It can go from perfectly browned to burnt in a matter of seconds.
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Don’t Skip Cooling Time: Allowing the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving helps it set and become easier to serve.
Variations
Feel free to mix things up with this recipe to suit your taste!
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Vegetable Addition: For extra nutrients, you can add cooked broccoli, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms right into the mix.
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Different Proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken, try shredded turkey or even cooked shrimp for a different twist.
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Cheese Changes: Experiment with different types of cheese! Gouda, fontina, or even pepper jack can add unique flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Simply shred it and mix it in.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything the day before, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready to serve.
3. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
You can replace the linguine with gluten-free pasta, and check that the cream of chicken soup and other ingredients are gluten-free.
4. Is it possible to make this dish healthier?
For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and add more vegetables.
5. What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can make a homemade version by mixing chicken broth with some flour and seasoning or simply use cream of mushroom soup instead.
Enjoy making this comforting and delicious Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
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Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A deliciously rich and creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole featuring tender chicken and linguine.
Ingredients
- 1 lb linguine
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ÂĽ cup butter, softened
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish with softened butter.
- Boil linguine for one minute less than the package directions, then drain.
- Whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, minced garlic, sour cream, chicken broth, dried parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Blend in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Fold the cooked linguine and shredded chicken into the creamy sauce.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.
- Let the casserole cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Storing leftovers: refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
