Description
Classic baked chicken tetrazzini casserole with creamy sauce, pasta, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces (1 pound, 450g) linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 4 cooked chicken breasts, diced or shredded
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each, 298g) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups (480ml) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons (16g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 11/2 teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes
- 1/21/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Noodles: Boil a large pot of water and cook the linguine or preferred pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
- Step 3: Mix Ingredients Well: In a large bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened unsalted butter, chicken broth, garlic salt with parsley flakes, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using a spatula or spoon for even distribution.
- Step 4: Combine Noodles and Mixture: Gently stir in the cooked pasta until it is just coated and evenly mixed with the creamy chicken mixture, taking care not to overmix to maintain noodle structure.
- Step 5: Pour into Baking Dish: Transfer the combined mixture evenly into the prepared greased baking dish.
- Step 6: Add Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Step 7: Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and starting to turn golden brown on top. Visual doneness is indicated by a bubbly sauce and a golden crust on the cheese topping.
Notes
- Room Temperature: After cooling, keep the casserole in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring it is covered tightly to maintain moisture and flavor.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- If the chicken appears dry after baking, cover the casserole with foil for the first 25 minutes and then remove the foil to brown the cheese.
- If the sauce seems too thick during mixing, add additional chicken broth in 1/4 cup increments until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
- For uneven cheese melting or insufficient browning, broil the casserole for 2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- To promote even noodle texture and heat distribution, stir the casserole gently about halfway through baking (around 20 minutes).
- If the casserole appears watery when served, allow it to rest for 5 minutes uncovered to evaporate excess moisture.
- Serve with gluten-free garlic bread or a simple mixed green salad.
- Pair with steamed asparagus or sauteed spinach for additional vegetables and color.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a fresh, bright finish.
- Optionally drizzle with olive oil or serve with lemon wedges for an extra touch of flavor.
- Substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or another pasta shape of choice.
- Use leftover rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken as a convenient alternative to freshly cooked chicken breasts.
- Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option, adjusting broth if needed for sauce consistency.
- Incorporate vegetables like frozen peas and fresh mushrooms (cremini or button) for added texture and flavor; avoid canned mushrooms for better texture.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the dish’s salt levels.
- Select pasta that cooks al dente to maintain structure through baking. Whole wheat pasta can be used for a heartier option.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more evenly and enhances flavor better than pre-grated varieties.
- Use unsalted butter to control saltiness in the recipe.
- Quality chicken broth (preferably low sodium) improves overall flavor balance.
- Fresh garlic and onion contribute better aroma and taste than pre-minced or powdered alternatives.
- Reheat individual portions in a microwave until heated through.
- For whole casserole reheating, warm uncovered in a 350 degrees F oven until hot, approximately 20 minutes; cover loosely with foil if moisture retention is preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg