Creamy Chicken (or Turkey) Tetrazzini Bake
This Creamy Chicken (or Turkey) Tetrazzini Bake is an indulgent, comforting dish that's perfect for using up leftover holiday poultry. The delightful blend of sour cream and cottage cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce that perfectly coats the tender spaghetti and savory chicken or turkey. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this dish bakes to a golden perfection, making it an irresistible favorite, even for those who aren't typically fans of pasta. It's a simple yet elegant meal that will impress your family and friends, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken bouillon cubes
2 (Dissolved in hot water)
Hot water
2 cups (To dissolve bouillon)
Thin spaghetti
1/2 lb (Cooked in bouillon)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Flour
2 tablespoons (For the roux)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
To taste
Milk
1 cup (Added to the sauce)
Sour cream
1 cup (Mixed into the sauce)
Cottage cheese
1 cup (Mixed into the sauce)
Diced cooked chicken
2 cups (Leftover or pre-cooked)
Sliced mushrooms
1 (4-ounce) jar (Drained)
Chopped parsley
2 tablespoons (Fresh)
Grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (For topping)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan, combine the chicken bouillon cubes and hot water. Heat over low until the bouillon cubes have fully dissolved.
2
Bring a large pot of the bouillon to a boil. Add the thin spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir well to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until lightly golden.
4
Gradually pour in the milk while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
5
Remove from heat and mix in the sour cream, cottage cheese, diced chicken, sliced mushrooms, and chopped parsley. Stir until well combined.
6
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, mixing gently to coat all the noodles evenly.
7
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the spaghetti and chicken mixture into a large baking dish. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini?
Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting pasta bake made with a rich sauce of sour cream and cottage cheese, combined with tender poultry and mushrooms.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is designed to work perfectly with either diced cooked chicken or leftover holiday turkey.
What makes the sauce so creamy?
The sauce achieves its signature richness through a combination of a homemade roux, milk, sour cream, and cottage cheese.
How long does it take to bake the Tetrazzini?
The dish should be baked for approximately 40 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What type of pasta is best for this bake?
Thin spaghetti is recommended for this recipe to ensure it is evenly coated by the creamy sauce.
How do I prepare the pasta for the bake?
The spaghetti should be cooked in water flavored with chicken bouillon until it is al dente, then drained.
Do I need to dissolve the bouillon cubes first?
Yes, you should combine the bouillon cubes with hot water in a saucepan over low heat until fully dissolved before boiling the pasta.
What ingredients are in the roux?
The roux is made by melting butter and stirring in flour, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How long should I cook the roux?
Stir the flour and butter mixture for about 2 minutes until it becomes lightly golden before adding the milk.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
Grated cheddar cheese is used to top the dish, which melts into a golden crust during baking.
Should the mushrooms be fresh or jarred?
This recipe calls for one 4-ounce jar of sliced mushrooms, which should be drained before being added to the sauce.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for the best flavor.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
Is this recipe good for leftovers?
Absolutely, it is specifically noted as an excellent way to use up leftover holiday poultry.
Can I add extra spice to the dish?
The recipe suggests a pinch of cayenne pepper, but you can adjust this to your personal taste preference.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
To avoid lumps, gradually pour the milk into the roux while continuously stirring.
What is the purpose of cooking pasta in bouillon?
Cooking the spaghetti in bouillon infuses the noodles with extra savory chicken flavor right from the start.
Can I substitute cottage cheese?
While cottage cheese provides a unique texture and richness, you could experiment with ricotta as a substitute if needed.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is done when the cheese on top is fully melted and has turned a golden brown color.
Is it necessary to pre-cook the chicken?
Yes, the recipe requires diced cooked chicken or turkey to be mixed into the sauce before baking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mixture in the baking dish and refrigerate it, then bake it when you are ready to serve.
What size baking dish do I need?
A large baking dish is required to hold the 1/2 lb of pasta plus the chicken and cream sauce.
Can I use frozen mushrooms?
If using frozen mushrooms, ensure they are thawed and thoroughly drained of excess moisture before adding them to the sauce.
What can I serve with Chicken Tetrazzini?
This rich dish pairs well with a light side salad or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or peas.
How much chicken is needed?
You will need 2 cups of diced cooked chicken or turkey for this recipe.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, its creamy texture and mild cheese flavor make it a popular favorite for families.
Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat thin spaghetti, though it may slightly alter the traditional texture.
How many bouillon cubes are used?
The recipe calls for 2 chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in 2 cups of hot water.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended, you can try mozzarella for a stretchier topping or parmesan for a saltier bite.
How much milk is required for the sauce?
You will need 1 cup of milk to thicken the roux into a creamy sauce.