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A creamy chicken pasta bake recipe with tender chicken, hearty spaghetti, and a rich sauce made from mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. With simple steps and customizable ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for meal prep, entertaining, or busy days. Whether you’re cooking for a group or planning leftovers, this classic casserole combines convenience and taste in one delicious package.

Ingredients

Chicken:

1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup dry white wine (see notes)
8 oz. button mushrooms, diced
½ yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup frozen peas

Pasta Bake:

¾ lb. spaghetti (see notes)
2 cups mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Cut the chicken breast in half horizontally to create two thinner pieces.
Season both sides of the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes. Dice into bite-sized pieces, and add any resting juices back into the pot.

Prepare the Sauce:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In the same pot, melt the butter and add the white wine. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the chicken to infuse the sauce with flavor. Let the wine simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
Add the mushrooms and onions, cooking for another 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, milk, peas, and diced chicken. Stir to combine and keep warm over low heat.

Cook the Pasta:

Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until just al dente (about 10 minutes). Drain and return to the pot.
Pour the warm sauce over the spaghetti and toss to combine.

Assemble and Bake:

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish or a large oven-safe pot. Spread evenly.
Top with mozzarella cheese.
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Comforting: The rich, cheesy sauce makes this dish irresistible.
Family-Friendly: A perfect one-dish meal that everyone will enjoy.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dish ahead of time and bake when ready.

Tips

Cooking the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Enhance Flavor: Use a high-quality Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor.
Al Dente Pasta: Avoid overcooking the spaghetti as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Moisture Control: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options: Swap the chicken for turkey, shrimp, or a plant-based protein.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Try adding spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Cheese Alternatives: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or provolone.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and cream soups.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without wine?
Yes, replace the wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.

Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

What can I use instead of cream soups?
Make a homemade roux with butter, flour, and milk as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Pair with a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Suggestions

Meal Prep: Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy weeknight dinner.
Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or toasted breadcrumbs for added texture.

Enjoy this creamy, cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini for a comforting and satisfying meal!