Delicious Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers
Welcome to my kitchen! I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite pasta dishes – Chicken Tetrazzini. This recipe, originally made famous by Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini in San Francisco, has become a classic comfort food that’s loved by many.
I first discovered this dish from Giada De Laurentiis’s recipe on Food Network and it has been a staple in my dinner rotation ever since. The unique blend of flavors and creamy texture make it the perfect choice for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleaser for dinner parties.
In this recipe, we’ll be using boneless, skinless chicken breasts paired with white wine, heavy cream, mushrooms, and thyme – all simmered in a delicious parmesan sauce. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare so don’t worry if you’re not experienced in the kitchen. Just follow my step-by-step instructions and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started on making this indulgent yet comforting Chicken Tetrazzini that will quickly become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that is full of flavor and comfort, then you’ll love this chicken tetrazzini recipe from Giada De Laurentiis. This dish is a classic Italian pasta bake that is packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and plenty of Parmesan cheese. What’s not to love?
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a meal that looks and tastes like something straight out of an Italian restaurant. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to impress.
Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different veggies or using different types of pasta. Plus, it makes great leftovers so you can enjoy it for days to come.
But perhaps the most compelling reason to love this chicken tetrazzini recipe is its comforting qualities. There’s something about a baked pasta dish that just feels like a big hug on a plate. It’s the kind of meal that will warm you up from the inside out and leave you feeling satisfied and content.
So if you’re in need of some comfort food or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, give this chicken tetrazzini recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Below are the ingredients needed for this delicious Chicken Tetrazzini recipe from Giada De Laurentiis:
- 1 pound linguine
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups sliced fresh white mushrooms
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 5 cups shredded cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (from about 3 medium chicken breasts)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to make Giada De Laurentiis’ famous Chicken Tetrazzini recipe:
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, divided use
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
To start off, cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into bite-size pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In another large nonstick frying pan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Add flour and whisk for about one minute until it is fully combined with butter. Gradually add three cups of whole milk while constantly whisking until everything is well combined. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture.
Add in one cup of chicken broth, heavy cream, and nutmeg while constantly stirring everything together. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken (about five minutes). Once thickened, remove from heat.
Step 4: Combine Everything Together
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine your pasta with your cut-up chicken pieces, sauce mixture, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley leave,s and chopped basil leaves together. Toss everything together until it is fully coated in sauce.
Next, spread some butter at the bottom of a baking dish or casserole dish that can fit all ingredients properly. Pour everything from the bowl into the dish evenly ensuring everything is distributed equally as possible after which sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Place the dish containing ingredients into your preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until it becomes gloriously bubbly!
Once done baking to perfection let cool for about five minutes before serving.
Time To Serve!
Voila! Your mouth-watering Chicken Tetrazzini à la Giada De Laurentiis is ready! You can pair this scrumptious meal with
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there are always options for substitutions and variations to make it your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a staple in this dish, but you can use any hard, salty cheese that melts well, such as pecorino romano or asiago. For a more indulgent version, mix in some grated mozzarella or Fontina.
– Pasta: Linguine is traditional for chicken tetrazzini, but fettuccine or spaghetti would also work. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some whole wheat or spinach noodles for added flavor and nutrition.
– Protein: While chicken is the star of the show here, you could easily swap it out for turkey or even shrimp to switch things up. Or, for a vegetarian option, try using sautéed mushrooms instead of the chicken.
– Sauce: Tetrazzini sauce typically consists of a roux made from butter, flour and chicken broth, along with heavy cream and white wine. However, you could use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly. Alternatively, make a tomato-based sauce by adding diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the roux mixture.
– Vegetables: While the recipe calls for white mushrooms and onions as the only vegetables, feel free to add in some others for extra nutrition and color. Sautéed bell peppers or zucchini would be especially delicious.
No matter which substitutions you choose, this classic comfort food will always be a crowd-pleaser. Get creative and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve prepared a delicious Chicken Tetrazzini from Giada De Laurentiis’ recipe, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair this mouthwatering dish.
Firstly, I recommend garnishing your Chicken Tetrazzini with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. The salty and nutty flavor of parmesan is the perfect contrast to the creamy and rich sauce in this dish. The parsley adds a pop of freshness and brightens up the flavors.
When it comes to serving size, one 9×13 inch casserole dish of chicken tetrazzini can typically serve between 8-10 people. You can also divide the casserole into individual portions for an easy weeknight dinner or lunch.
As for pairing, a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette is a great accompaniment to cut through the richness of the dish. Alternatively, some roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots can bring some texture and color to the plate. You can also pair this dish with a glass of dry white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
For those looking for an extra indulgent meal, consider serving garlic bread alongside your chicken tetrazzini. The crunchy crust and buttery bread are perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce on your plate.
No matter how you choose to serve or pair your Chicken Tetrazzini, I guarantee that it’s going to be an instant hit on your dinner table!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve made your Chicken Tetrazzini, you may want to make it ahead of time or store leftovers for later enjoyment. Luckily, this dish is perfect for both.
If you’re making it ahead of time, let it cool completely before covering it and putting it in the refrigerator. You can leave your Chicken Tetrazzini in the fridge for up to 2 days before reheating.
To reheat your dish, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover your Chicken Tetrazzini with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes if at room temperature or 35-40 minutes if taken from the fridge. Make sure that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate uncovered on high power for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Be sure to stir halfway through for even heating.
Another option is to heat on a stovetop. Place your leftover Chicken Tetrazzini in a saucepan over medium-low heat with 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan. Heat until hot throughout, stirring occasionally.
When storing leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze your Chicken Tetrazzini for up to three months in an airtight container.
Keep these tips in mind when you’re creating your delicious Chicken Tetrazzini recipe and enjoy it even more!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you’re planning to make Chicken Tetrazzini from Giada De Laurentiis’ recipe, here are some tips that can help you achieve perfect results:
1. Sauté the chicken properly
When sautéing the chicken, make sure to sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides for better seasoning. Don’t overcrowd the pan as it will result in steaming rather than searing the chicken. Also, resist the urge to keep flipping the chicken. Let it cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown.
2. Grate your own Parmesan cheese
While pre-grated Parmesan cheese is convenient, grating your own Parmesan cheese will give you a more flavorful dish. Invest in a good quality block of Parmesan cheese and use a grater or food processor to grate it. This way, you’re guaranteed fresh and richer taste.
3. Don’t overcook the pasta
Cooking the pasta is crucial in making this dish successful. Make sure to cook it al dente, meaning it’s still firm when bitten. Test the pasta one minute before its recommended cooking time and keep an eye on it so it won’t overcook.
4. Use fresh parsley
Fresh parsley adds brightness and freshness to this dish that dried parsley cannot match. Chop up some fresh parsley and sprinkle them on top of the pasta before serving for a beautiful pop of color and flavor.
5. Serve immediately
Chicken Tetrazzini is best served immediately after cooking while still hot and fresh from the oven. If you need to keep it warm before serving, cover it with foil and place in a preheated oven set at 300°F.
Follow these tips when making Giada’s Chicken Tetrazzini recipe, and you’ll have an amazing pasta dish that will impress even an Italian opera star like Luisa Tetrazzini herself!
FAQ
Now that you know how to make Chicken Tetrazzini from Giada Recipe, you might have some questions about the ingredients and steps involved in the recipe. In this FAQ section, I will answer some common questions that people ask about making Chicken Tetrazzini. So, read on to learn more!
What is Tetrazzini sauce made of?
When it comes to creating the delightful and savory Tetrazzini sauce, the secret lies in starting with a béchamel sauce. While a simple version of the béchamel requires only three ingredients: flour, butter, and milk, our recipe takes it up a notch by incorporating chicken stock for an added burst of flavor. We also add cream to give it a rich and velvety texture, and top it off with some cheese to enhance its deliciousness even further. This creates a sauce that serves as a perfect base for the Tetrazzini recipe.
What’s the difference between chicken spaghetti and Chicken Tetrazzini?
When it comes to Chicken Tetrazzini and Chicken Spaghetti, the main difference lies in the sauce. While Chicken Spaghetti is typically served in a red sauce, Chicken Tetrazzini is prepared with a creamy white sauce that incorporates mushrooms or other vegetables into the mix. This subtle but important difference in sauce can significantly impact the flavor and overall presentation of the dish.
What is Chicken Tetrazzini made of?
Chicken Tetrazzini is a beloved pasta dish consisting of tender chunks of chicken or turkey (or even seafood), mushrooms, and a luscious, buttery cream sauce that is baked to perfection. This classic American recipe has a fascinating history – it was first created by chef Ernest Arbogast to pay tribute to Italian opera legend Luisa Tetrazzini, who performed at his San Francisco hotel during the early 1900s.
Why is Tetrazzini called Tetrazzini?
During the early 1900s, Luisa Tetrazzini, a beloved Italian opera singer, wowed audiences in San Francisco and New York. Building on her popularity, a clever chef decided to create a pasta dish that was as rich and decadent as Tetrazzini’s performances. The dish was named in her honor and has since become a classic.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Chicken Tetrazzini is a delicious and comforting dish that should be in the repertoire of every home cook. This Giada recipe is easy to follow, uses fresh ingredients, and results in a dish that will have your family and guests asking for seconds. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.
So whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly night or want to impress friends and family with your culinary skills, give this Chicken Tetrazzini recipe from Giada de Laurentiis a try. And don’t forget to experiment with your own substitutions and variations to make it your own.
Remember, cooking is all about making delicious food that brings people together. So put on some music, pour yourself a glass of wine (or two), and enjoy the process of creating a meal that will bring joy to those around you. Happy cooking!
Chicken Tetrazzini from Giada Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 2 1/4 teaspoons salt, plus more for pasta
- 1 1/4 teaspoons pepper
- 1 lb white mushroom, trimmed and sliced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/3 cup flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 12 ounces linguine
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup dried Italian breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450.
- Use 1 tablespoon of the butter to grease a 13×9 inch baking dish.
- In a large, nonstick frying pan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and the oil.
- Sprinkle the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until pale golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, shred the chicken into bite size pieces.
- Add the mushrooms to the same frying pan. Saute until the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms become pale golden, about 12 minutes. Transfer the mushroom mixture to the bowl with the chicken.
- Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in the same pan. Whisk in the milk, broth, cream, nutmeg, 1 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pepper. Increase the heat to high. Cover the sauce and bring to a boil. Then simmer, uncovered, whisking often, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook. Drain.
- Add the linguine, sauce, peas, and parsley to the chicken mixture. Toss until the sauce coats the pasta and the mixture is well blended.
- Transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, stir the cheese and bread crumbs to blend. Sprinkle over the casserole. Bake uncovered until golden brown on top – 25 minutes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Chloe
Chloe is passionate about creating unique dishes that draw on the flavors of her favorite cultures. She loves experimenting with new ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and she is always eager to share her creations with friends and family.