Favorite Chicken Tetrazzini
The ultimate comfort food, chicken tetrazzini freezes beautifully and can be a save-the-day meal when the need arises. I love to keep at least one in my freezer at all times.
The ultimate comfort food, chicken tetrazzini freezes beautifully and can be a save-the-day meal when the need arises. I love to keep at least one in my freezer at all times.
- freshly ground pepper
- paprika
- 1/2 stick butter
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 (12 oz) pkg. spaghetti pasta
- 1 oz can swanson chicken broth
- 5-6 cups cooked chicken (i oven roast mine)
- seasoning salt or garlic salt (to season chicken
- one carton fresh mushrooms sliced
- 2 tb evoo
- 3 cups grated cheddar (i recommend sharp)
- sea salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
- Carbohydrate 33.5669000613851 g
- Cholesterol 17.2808952313815 mg
- Fat 8.89377772918043 g
- Fiber 9.43576796512604 g
- Protein 6.08486547959539 g
- Saturated Fat 3.97829452799902 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (380g)
- Sodium 220.249023269868 mg
- Sugar 24.1311320962591 g
- Trans Fat 1.11390627092345 g
- Calories 186 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook chicken (I roast at 375 covered for 45 minutes). Chop and set aside.
- Slice and sauté mushrooms in EVOO and butter until soft. Season with salt & pepper.
- Cook pasta 7 minutes or until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Put soups and sour cream in large bowl; stir in can of chicken broth.
- Stir in mushrooms to the soup mixture, blending well.
- Add chicken, pasta, and cheddar cheeses. Stir until well combined and evenly blended.
- Spray aluminum pan(s) with Pam; spread tetrazzini in pan.
- Sprinkle parmesan and paprika on top of casserole.
- DO AHEAD: If freezing, stop here and freeze before cooking. If cooking, go to next step.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour, or until edges begin to bubble.
My Favorite Chicken Tetrazzini: A Freezer Staple
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Finding quick, healthy, and delicious meals is a constant challenge. That's why I've developed a love affair with freezer meals, and my favorite of all is this Chicken Tetrazzini. It’s the ultimate comfort food, creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, yet surprisingly easy to make in a batch. The best part? It freezes beautifully, providing a delicious and stress-free dinner solution on those crazy-busy weeknights when even thinking about cooking feels overwhelming.
This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about taste. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce is irresistible. The subtle hint of paprika adds a warm, smoky note that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. I love using sharp cheddar for that extra bite, but you can experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect blend. I often add a sprinkle of fresh herbs before baking for an extra burst of freshness. I've even experimented with adding different vegetables – sauteed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes would be amazing.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Lives:
- Make-Ahead Magic: The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can prep everything ahead of time, then freeze the unbaked casserole for future use. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready and dinner is served—minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.
- Versatile Ingredients: The ingredient list is straightforward and uses pantry staples. You can easily adjust the quantities based on your preferences and how many servings you need. You could even use leftover cooked chicken to speed up the process even further.
- Deliciously Customizable: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add more vegetables, different cheeses, or even a touch of spice to create your perfect version. It's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is a dream for meal prepping. Make a large batch on the weekend, portion it out into individual containers, and enjoy delicious, homemade meals throughout the week.
- Freezer-Friendly: The freezer is your best friend when it comes to this recipe. I always try to keep at least one ready-to-bake Chicken Tetrazzini stashed away in my freezer. It’s my secret weapon against those days when I’m simply too tired to cook.
Beyond the practical aspects, this Chicken Tetrazzini holds a special place in my heart. It’s a dish that evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. It’s the kind of meal that brings family together, nourishing not only our bodies but our souls. It’s a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times, and a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a memory, a tradition, a comforting hug on a cold night – in a dish.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a solution, a comfort, and a delicious adventure. Experiment, adjust, and make it your own. I'd love to hear how it turns out!
