This chicken tetrazzini casserole recipe is Italian-American food at its best. It's rich, creamy, and perfectly hearty - this casserole makes a wonderful dinner any time. This recipe can be very versatile, and it's easy to modify, so have fun with it.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9x13" casserole dish.
Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Generously salt and pepper the chicken breasts on both sides, then cook until cooked through - about 4 - 5 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and set aside.
While the chicken is cooking, heat the water for the pasta and cook for about 1 minute less than package directions. When cooked, drain in a colander and let sit.
Return the pan you cooked the chicken in to medium heat, add two tablespoon of butter and allow to melt. Add the onion and peppers, and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
Increase the heat to medium high, add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown, about 5 more minutes.
In a saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth, then stir in the half and half and the chicken broth. Increase the heat to medium, and cook and stir until thickened, about 10 minutes, then stir in the white wine and mushrooms.
Cube up the cooked chicken, and stir into the sauce.
Put the spaghetti noodles into your prepared baking dish, then pour the sauce over the top - shake the dish to even everything out.
Sprinkle the parmesan over the top and bake for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Before serving, sprinkle with paprika.
Recipe Notes
Want to add more spices or herbs? Do it. Don't like mushrooms? by all means, exclude them. Want it a bit more buttery and cheesy? Just add more!
Want to add more spices or herbs? Do it. Don't like mushrooms? by all means, exclude them. Want it a bit more buttery and cheesy? Just add more!
When it comes to white wine, opt for a light-bodied dry white. I prefer oaked chenin blanc, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc or viognier.
Always use low-sodium chicken broth. If possible, make your own homemade broth.
Undercook the pasta to avoid a mushy baked mess.
The sauce shouldn't be too thick or thin. Add more broth, or wine to maintain a nice consistency.