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Chicken tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting American casserole named after Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini. It's a creamy pasta bake combining tender chicken, mushrooms, and spaghetti, all baked under a layer of Parmesan until bubbly and golden. This dish is a classic example of mid-century American cuisine that makes use of pantry staples and leftover poultry, making it a favorite for post-holiday meals and cozy family dinners.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lbs chicken (cooked and shredded)
  • 1 onion (sliced)
  • 1 carrot (sliced)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp celery salt
  • 4 tbsp chicken fat (or margarine)
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth (strained )
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp sherry
  • 1/2 lb mushrooms (sliced)
  • 8 oz spaghetti ( or noodles, cooked)
  • Parmesan cheese (grated , for topping)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  • Simmer chicken with onion, carrot, bay leaf, and celery salt until tender. Remove meat from bones and slightly reduce the broth.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  • In a saucepan, heat chicken fat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  • Gradually add 2 cups of strained chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
  • Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 tbsp sherry. Stir until smooth.

Step 3: Prepare Mushrooms

  • Sauté sliced mushrooms in a small amount of fat until tender.
  • Stir mushrooms into the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

  • Mix cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, mushrooms, and sauce in a large bowl.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

  • In a greased casserole dish, layer pasta, chicken, and sauce alternately.
  • Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake

  • Bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden brown (about 30–35 minutes).

Tips

  • Add sautéed onion and green pepper with the mushrooms for extra flavor (noted on the card).
  • Increase the amount of mushrooms—recipe notes say “more mushrooms make it better.”
  • Substitute turkey breast for chicken; great for holiday leftovers.
  • Use margarine instead of chicken fat, as mentioned on the card.
  • Add peas for color and sweetness.
  • Use white wine if sherry isn't available.
  • Try different pasta shapes such as egg noodles or macaroni (mentioned on the card).
  • Top with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for extra crunch.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for depth.
  • Make ahead: assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 28gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 430mgFiber: 2.5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1050IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 210mgIron: 2.3mg
Keyword casserole, Chicken, classic recipes, comfort food, creamy pasta, family dinner, homemade, pasta, retro cooking, vintage recipe
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