Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic American casserole, beloved for its creamy texture and comforting flavors. If you’re searching for a dish that embodies home-style goodness and is easy to prepare, look no further than this Pioneer Woman inspired Chicken Tetrazzini recipe. This recipe takes the traditional Chicken Tetrazzini and elevates it with a rich, cheesy sauce and simple steps that even beginner cooks can master. Get ready to create a family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Million Dollar Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole baked to golden brown perfection
What Makes This Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe a Winner?
This isn’t just any chicken casserole; it’s a million-dollar version in terms of taste! Inspired by the hearty and approachable cooking style of Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, this recipe focuses on delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you crave classic comfort food. The secret lies in the creamy combination of cheeses and soups, creating a luscious sauce that perfectly coats the chicken and spaghetti.
Easy Steps to Pioneer Woman Style Chicken Tetrazzini
Making this Chicken Tetrazzini is surprisingly straightforward. The recipe prioritizes ease of preparation without compromising on taste. Here’s a breakdown of how simple it is:
First, you’ll start by cooking the spaghetti until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, you can prepare the creamy sauce. This involves mixing together cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and a generous blend of cheeses – cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella. These cheeses melt together to create an incredibly rich and flavorful sauce that is the heart of this casserole.
Close-up shot of Chicken Tetrazzini in a baking dish, showcasing the creamy sauce and melted cheese
Once the spaghetti is cooked and drained, simply combine it with the creamy chicken and cheese mixture. Pour everything into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!
To save even more time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. This shortcut drastically reduces prep time and makes this recipe even more weeknight-friendly. Rotisserie chicken is not only convenient but also adds a depth of flavor to the casserole.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Instructions
One of the best features of this Pioneer Woman inspired Chicken Tetrazzini recipe is its make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight or freeze it for a future meal.
If refrigerating overnight, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. For freezing, thaw the casserole completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed. Leftovers also freeze beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick individual meals on busy days. To reheat frozen leftovers, thaw and microwave or bake covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.
A serving of Chicken Tetrazzini on a white plate, highlighting the creamy texture and cheesy topping
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini is a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can create a complete and balanced dinner. Consider serving it with:
- Green Vegetables: Green beans, asparagus, or broccoli are excellent choices to add freshness and balance the richness of the casserole.
- Salad: A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic Bread or Rolls: For soaking up every last bit of the delicious creamy sauce.
Here are a few side dish recipes that complement Chicken Tetrazzini perfectly:
Italian Green Beans with Tomatoes recipe image
Italian Green Beans with Tomatoes
This vibrant side dish adds a burst of fresh flavor and color to your meal, cutting through the richness of the casserole.
Smothered Broccoli recipe image
Smothered Broccoli
For a comforting and flavorful vegetable side, smothered broccoli is a fantastic choice. The bacon and garlic add savory notes that pair well with the chicken tetrazzini.
Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan recipe image
Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
Simple yet elegant, roasted asparagus with parmesan is a quick and healthy side that adds a touch of sophistication to your dinner.
Copycat Outback Ranch Dressing recipe image
Copycat Outback Ranch Dressing
If you opt for a salad, this homemade ranch dressing is a must-try. It’s creamy, flavorful, and far superior to store-bought versions.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe Card
This recipe provides all the details you need to recreate this comforting casserole in your own kitchen.
Close-up shot of Chicken Tetrazzini in a baking dish, showcasing the creamy sauce and melted cheese
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large pot
- Large bowl
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
- Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the bowl and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top evenly with Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake covered for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Recipe Notes:
- For a lower sodium option, use unsalted cream of chicken and mushroom soups.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months.
- If baking from the refrigerator, add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
- To bake from frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Enjoy this Pioneer Woman inspired Chicken Tetrazzini – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and flavor to your table!
Fork lifting a bite of cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini, showcasing the creamy sauce and spaghetti
Overhead view of a plate of Chicken Tetrazzini, highlighting the melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese topping
