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Three Cheese Chicken Tetrazzini

Featured in Filling Main Courses.

Cook spaghetti and chicken separately. Make a creamy mushroom sauce with three cheeses. Combine everything, top with more cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.
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Clare Greco
Updated on Thu, 13 Feb 2025 01:35:06 GMT
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Three Cheese Chicken Tetrazzini | recipesim.com

Transform your dinner table with this luxurious homemade chicken tetrazzini that combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and three kinds of cheese in a creamy garlic sauce. This American-Italian comfort classic brings restaurant quality right to your kitchen with simple, fresh ingredients.

The first time I made this dish from scratch instead of using condensed soup, I was amazed by the depth of flavor. My family now refuses to have it any other way, and I love knowing exactly what goes into our meal.

Fresh Ingredients Matter

  • Fresh parmesan cheese creates superior melting and flavor
  • Quality cremini mushrooms provide earthy depth
  • Sweet Vidalia onions build perfect flavor base
  • Heavy cream ensures silky smooth sauce
  • Real cream cheese adds rich tanginess
  • Fresh mozzarella guarantees perfect cheese pulls

Creating Perfect Tetrazzini

Base Preparation:
Cook spaghetti just shy of al dente for ideal texture.
Chicken Creation:
Season and cook chicken until golden and tender.
Mushroom Magic:
Sauté mushrooms until they release their flavors.
Sauce Building:
Combine cream, cheese, and broth until velvety smooth.
Final Assembly:
Layer components and top with cheese blend.
Three Cheese Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe Pin it
Three Cheese Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe | recipesim.com

My children particularly love helping grate the different cheeses. Their faces light up when they peek through the oven door to watch the cheese turn golden brown under the broiler.

Mastering The Sauce

The key to silky sauce lies in patient stirring while the cream cheese melts. This creates the signature smooth, creamy texture without any graininess.

Temperature Control

Maintaining gentle heat prevents the cream from separating and ensures the cream cheese melts evenly into the sauce.

Mushroom Excellence

Taking time to properly brown the mushrooms develops deep, rich flavors that enhance the entire dish.

Weekend Preparation

Make this dish ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Perfect for busy families or entertaining guests.

Personal Touches

Add fresh herbs like thyme or sage for extra flavor, or include peas for color and nutrition.

Keeping It Fresh

Store in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

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Easy Three Cheese Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe | recipesim.com

After years of perfecting this recipe, I've found that taking time with each step results in a dish that rivals any restaurant version. The combination of three cheeses with perfectly cooked chicken creates a meal that brings everyone to the table with excitement.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Skip cooking the chicken and add 3-4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken when mixing everything together.
→ Why cook the pasta 2 minutes less?
It keeps cooking in the oven, so starting with slightly firm pasta prevents it from getting mushy in the final dish.
→ Can I make it ahead?
Prepare everything but don't bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready. You might need extra time in the oven.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, wrap it well before baking and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. It might need a bit more time in the oven.
→ What mushrooms work best?
Cremini (baby bella) or white button mushrooms both work great. Pick whichever you prefer or are easier to find.

Creamy Three Cheese Chicken Pasta

Spaghetti and chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with three melty cheeses. Pure comfort food that's worth the effort!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Pasta & Chicken

01 12 ounces spaghetti (3/4 of a regular package)
02 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

→ Fresh Vegetables

03 Half a medium onion, chopped
04 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 7 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced

→ Sauce Base

06 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 3 tablespoons butter, divided
08 3/4 cup chicken broth
09 1 cup heavy cream
10 8 ounces cream cheese (full block), softened

→ Seasonings

11 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
12 Salt and fresh black pepper to taste

→ Cheese Topping

13 1 cup freshly grated parmesan
14 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions

Step 01

Start by getting organized - soften your cream cheese in the microwave for 30 seconds or leave it out for a couple hours. Season your cut-up chicken with salt and pepper. Heat your oven to 350°F and move the rack to the top third.

Step 02

Get your spaghetti going in well-salted water, but cook it 2 minutes less than the package says - it'll finish in the oven. Drain when done.

Step 03

While pasta cooks, melt 1 tablespoon butter with the olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Cook the onion until it starts to brown, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 04

Add chicken to the pot and cook until almost done, about 5-6 minutes. Scoop it onto a plate for now.

Step 05

In the same pot, add garlic, remaining butter, Italian seasoning, and mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms release their water and it mostly evaporates, about 5 minutes.

Step 06

Turn up the heat to high. Pour in the broth, cream, and softened cream cheese (cut into chunks for easier melting). Stir constantly for 5 minutes to help everything meld together smoothly.

Step 07

Turn off the heat. Add the chicken back to the pot along with your cooked spaghetti. Give it all a good stir to coat everything in the sauce.

Step 08

Transfer to a 9x13 baking dish, spread evenly, and top with parmesan and mozzarella. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then broil briefly for a golden top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. You can swap in rotisserie chicken if you like - just skip the chicken cooking step and add about 3-4 cups shredded chicken when combining everything.
  2. Don't cook the sauce too long before baking or it'll get too thick and make the pasta dry.
  3. Cut through the pasta like lasagna when serving - it helps everyone get an even amount of that melty cheese top!

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot for cooking pasta
  • Large pot or Dutch oven for sauce
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Colander

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream, multiple cheeses)
  • Contains wheat (pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 777
  • Total Fat: 47 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 49 g
  • Protein: 38 g