Savory Chicken or Turkey Tetrazzini Bake
This comforting Savory Chicken or Turkey Tetrazzini Bake is the quintessential dish for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Featuring tender chicken or turkey enveloped in a creamy sauce made from an enticing blend of three savory canned soups—two cans of cream of mushroom and one can of cream of chicken—this casserole is rich and satisfying. Fresh mushrooms, sautéed onions, and a hint of jalapeño pepper add depth and flavor, while the addition of sour cream and whipping cream brings a luscious, creamy texture. Topped with a blend of cheddar and parmesan cheese that melts into a golden layer, this dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or crusty bread. It's a deliciously hearty meal that everyone will love, making it an instant classic at your dinner table!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
thin spaghetti
1 (16-ounce) package (cooked al dente)
butter
1/3 cup (melted)
large onion
1 (chopped)
fresh minced garlic
1-2 tablespoons (minced)
jalapeño pepper
1 (seeded and finely chopped (optional))
fresh mushrooms
2 cups (sliced)
whipping cream
1/4 cup (unwhipped)
cooked chicken or turkey
3 cups (chopped)
condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10-ounce) can (undiluted)
condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (10-ounce) can (undiluted)
condensed cream of celery soup
1 (10-ounce) can (undiluted)
sour cream
1 (8-ounce) container (plain)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (fresh or packaged)
grated cheddar cheese
2.5 cups (divided)
frozen peas
1 cup (optional, frozen)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Butter a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish or a large oval casserole dish to prevent sticking.
3
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti until al dente; it should be slightly firm. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
4
Add the whipping cream, both types of canned soups, chopped cooked chicken or turkey, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1.5 cups of grated cheddar cheese to the bowl with the pasta. If you're using frozen peas, add them in as well.
5
Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
6
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until all their liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes.
7
Once the mushrooms are ready, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and jalapeño pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
8
Combine the mushroom mixture with the pasta mixture in the bowl, mixing with a wooden spoon until everything is evenly incorporated.
9
Season the mixture with seasoned salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
10
Transfer the contents into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
11
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
12
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese over the top, and return it to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 5-8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
13
Let it cool slightly before serving, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
17.5
Fat
40
Carbs
25
Protein
1.5
Fiber
1.25
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chicken or Turkey Tetrazzini Bake?
It is a comforting casserole made with cooked poultry, pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce blended from three types of condensed soups, sour cream, and whipping cream.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce package of thin spaghetti, cooked al dente.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use either 3 cups of chopped cooked chicken or cooked turkey.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the tetrazzini need to bake?
The dish should bake for 30-35 minutes covered with foil, followed by an additional 5-8 minutes uncovered after adding more cheese.
What size baking dish is required?
Use a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish or a large oval casserole dish.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, butter the dish to prevent the pasta and sauce from sticking.
What types of condensed soups are used in this bake?
The recipe uses one 10-ounce can each of condensed cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, and cream of celery soup.
Is the jalape%o pepper mandatory?
No, the jalape%o pepper is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor and a hint of heat.
How should I prepare the mushrooms?
Slice 2 cups of fresh mushrooms and saut%e them in butter until all their liquid has evaporated, which takes about 10 minutes.
Can I add vegetables to this tetrazzini?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 1 cup of optional frozen peas into the mixture before baking.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
A combination of grated parmesan and grated cheddar cheese is used for the topping and the filling.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving based on the recipe data.
What is the fat content of this dish?
One serving contains approximately 17.5 grams of fat.
How much protein is in the chicken or turkey tetrazzini?
Each serving provides about 25 grams of protein.
What does it mean to cook pasta al dente?
It means cooking the spaghetti until it is slightly firm to the bite, rather than completely soft.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it, then bake it when you are ready to eat, though you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
Do I need to dilute the condensed soups?
No, the soups should be used undiluted to ensure the sauce remains thick and creamy.
Should I cover the dish with foil while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30-35 minutes to keep the moisture in.
Can I use pre-packaged grated cheese?
Yes, you can use either fresh or pre-packaged grated parmesan and cheddar cheese.
How much whipping cream is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of unwhipped whipping cream.
What seasonings are recommended?
The dish is seasoned with fresh minced garlic, seasoned salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Absolutely, it is described as a quintessential dish for family gatherings and a hearty meal everyone will love.
What can I serve with Tetrazzini?
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when it is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While thin spaghetti is traditional, you could substitute with regular spaghetti or linguine if preferred.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should I saut%e the onions and garlic?
Saut%e them with the jalape%o until the onions are soft and translucent.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt can be a substitute for sour cream, though it may slightly change the flavor profile.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.