Craving a dish that's both comforting and elegant? Look no further than this Southern Living Chicken Tetrazzini recipe! This updated classic takes the beloved baked pasta dish and elevates it with fresh, flavorful ingredients and a touch of Southern charm. It's the perfect weeknight dinner, satisfying enough for a family meal yet refined enough to impress guests. Get ready to experience a taste of home, made even better. This recipe offers easy recipes for busy weeknights, perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes. Homemade cooking doesn't get much easier or tastier than this!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Pantry Staples and Fresh Finds
This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients, making it a perfect choice for busy cooks who still appreciate delicious, homemade cooking.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, but adds depth of flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups cooked fettuccine or other long pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
Instructions: Let's Get Cooking!
This Southern Living Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Follow these easy steps for a guaranteed delicious meal.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are tender, about 3-5 more minutes. This step builds the foundational flavor of the dish.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sherry (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This creamy sauce is the heart of the Tetrazzini!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently stir to combine everything evenly, ensuring the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the chicken and pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Finally, top with bread crumbs for a delightful crunch. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Tips and Variations: Elevate Your Culinary Game
- For a richer flavor: Use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Add some spice: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with cooked and crumbled firm tofu or roasted vegetables like broccoli and zucchini.
- Customize your cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack.
- Use leftover cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Southern Living Chicken Tetrazzini is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor and comfort. Enjoy!