Kid Friendly Chicken Tetrazzini
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Kid-Friendly Chicken Tetrazzini is the perfect weeknight dinner to satisfy picky eaters and busy parents alike. Tender spaghetti is coated in a velvety homemade cheese sauce, loaded with savory shredded chicken, and optionally studded with sweet peas for a pop of color and nutrition. Baked to golden perfection with a bubbly layer of mozzarella and optional crispy breadcrumbs, this one-dish pasta bake comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time. With a simple ingredient list and a hearty, crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s an easy, stress-free way to serve up a delicious family meal that will have kids and adults going back for seconds. Serve it with a green salad or garlic bread for an unforgettable dinner! Keywords: kid-friendly chicken tetrazzini, baked pasta recipe, family dinner ideas, cheesy chicken casserole.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Spaghetti
- 3 cups Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 2 cups Half-and-half
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Frozen peas (optional)
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once combined, add the half-and-half and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked chicken, cooked spaghetti, and peas (if using) to the sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. If using breadcrumbs as a topping, sprinkle them over the mozzarella for extra crunch.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer a golden crust, you can broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Let the chicken tetrazzini cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4355 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 240.9 g | 309% | |
| Saturated Fat | 131.4 g | 657% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1226 mg | 409% | |
| Sodium | 7659 mg | 333% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 180.5 g | 66% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.7 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.5 g | ||
| Protein | 357.4 g | 715% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 3175 mg | 244% | |
| Iron | 19.3 mg | 107% | |
| Potassium | 3672 mg | 78% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
