Decadent Chicken or Turkey Tetrazzini Delight
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this Decadent Chicken or Turkey Tetrazzini Delight! This dish features tender pieces of chicken or turkey enveloped in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, perfectly complemented by al dente pasta and a burst of flavor from sherry and garlic. Topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs and a generous layer of melted Parmesan cheese, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s a delicious, comforting meal that will delight everyone's taste buds and leave them wanting more. Indulge in its sumptuous flavors, and enjoy the smiles on your family's faces as they savor every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
5 tablespoons (divided)
yellow onion
1 large (chopped)
mushrooms
1 lb (sliced)
flour
2 tablespoons (for roux)
chicken broth
2 cups (preferably low-sodium)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
cream or half-and-half
1 cup (for richness)
sherry wine
4 tablespoons
Parmesan cheese
8 ounces (grated, divided)
cooked chicken or turkey
4 cooked breasts or 4 cups (cut into bite-sized pieces)
spaghetti
1 lb (cooked al dente)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Italian breadcrumbs
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until they are soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
3
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture turns a light golden brown, forming a roux. Be careful not to let it burn.
4
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and minced garlic. Cook over low heat for about 1 minute until the mixture thickens slightly.
5
Stir in the sherry and three-quarters of the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the sautéed mushrooms and onions back into the pan, stirring until the cheese thoroughly melts. Remove from heat and then mix in the cream or half-and-half for a time to create a velvety sauce.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared sauce with the cooked chicken or turkey pieces and the cooked spaghetti. Mix everything until well combined.
7
Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased large casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is bubbling and begins to turn golden brown.
9
In a small bowl, combine the remaining Parmesan cheese with Italian breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, until the topping is golden and crispy.
10
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving, then enjoy your delicious Tetrazzini delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Chicken or Turkey Tetrazzini?
It is a rich, creamy casserole made with tender poultry, mushrooms, and spaghetti in a savory sherry-infused sauce, topped with Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
Can I use either chicken or turkey for this recipe?
Yes, you can use 4 cups of either cooked chicken or turkey, making it an excellent way to use up holiday leftovers.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of spaghetti cooked al dente.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the Tetrazzini need to bake?
It bakes for 30 minutes initially, then an additional 5 minutes once the breadcrumb topping is added.
What kind of mushrooms are best for this dish?
The recipe specifies 1 lb of sliced mushrooms; white button or cremini mushrooms work very well.
How do I make the sauce for the Tetrazzini?
The sauce is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, then whisking in chicken broth, garlic, sherry, Parmesan cheese, and cream.
Do I have to use sherry wine?
While sherry adds a distinct flavor, you can substitute it with dry white wine or extra chicken broth if you prefer.
What type of cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese, divided between the sauce and the topping.
How do I make the topping crispy?
The topping is made by combining Italian breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan cheese and baking for the final 5 minutes until golden.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time.
What is the purpose of the roux?
The roux, made from butter and flour, acts as a thickening agent for the creamy sauce.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either cream or half-and-half for the velvety texture of the sauce.
How many mushrooms should I use?
You will need 1 lb of sliced mushrooms for this recipe.
Should I use low-sodium chicken broth?
The recipe recommends using low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the final dish.
How do I prep the garlic?
One clove of garlic should be finely minced before being added to the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A large casserole dish, typically a 9x13 inch pan, is ideal for this volume of ingredients.
How long should I saute the onions and mushrooms?
They should be sauteed in butter for about 5-7 minutes until soft and golden.
What if I don't have Italian breadcrumbs?
You can use plain breadcrumbs mixed with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning as a substitute.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is a comforting and delicious meal that is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Should the spaghetti be fully cooked before mixing?
It should be cooked "al dente," meaning it still has a slight bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
How much butter is needed in total?
You will need 5 tablespoons of butter in total: 2 for sauteing and 3 for the roux.
Can I add other vegetables like peas?
Yes, many people enjoy adding a cup of frozen peas to the mixture for extra color and nutrition.
What does the sherry wine add to the recipe?
Sherry provides a sophisticated, nutty, and slightly sweet undertone that elevates the creamy sauce.
Is it necessary to let the casserole cool before serving?
Letting it cool for a few minutes allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Can I use fresh herbs in the sauce?
Yes, fresh parsley or thyme would be excellent additions to the cream sauce for added freshness.
How much sherry is used?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of sherry wine.