Description
Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and melty plant-based cheese in a velvety sauce. This easy and versatile dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep, delivering rich flavor and satisfying texture with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- Pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for heat
- 1/2 cup peas, spinach, or broccoli for extra vegetables
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed
- Extra 1 cup plant-based cheese for topping
Topping
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Pasta: Cook chicken breasts fully and shred finely. Meanwhile, boil spaghetti or linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Vegetables: In a large skillet, crisp the chopped smoked turkey bacon. Add chopped onions, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant to build a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a pot, combine plant-based milk with apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and black pepper. Whisk in the natural gelling agent, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a creamy and smooth consistency.
- Combine Ingredients and Assemble: Stir the shredded chicken and bacon-vegetable mixture into the creamy sauce. Gently fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring even coating. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle plant-based cheese evenly on top and finish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted, golden, and the casserole is bubbling, approximately 25-30 minutes. Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture after baking.
- Do not omit the smoked turkey bacon for added depth of flavor.
- Use fresh mushrooms and parsley to brighten the dish.
- Ensure the sauce thickens well to avoid a runny casserole.
- Allow the casserole to rest before serving for easier portioning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Chicken Tetrazzini, creamy casserole, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, comforting pasta, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, gluten-free pasta
