Description

This Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is a comforting, rich, and hearty dish combining tender cooked chicken breast with spaghetti and a luscious creamy plant-based cheese sauce enhanced by mushrooms, smoked turkey bacon, and aromatic onions and garlic. The naturally tangy apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors while a natural gelling agent ensures perfect creaminess. Easy to prepare and customizable, it is a satisfying meal perfect for any night.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
8 ounces spaghetti or thin pasta
3 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Sauce Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 cup plant-based cheese (shredded)
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring the pasta is not overcooked to retain a firm texture for the casserole.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and chopped smoked turkey bacon; cook until mushrooms soften and bacon crisps slightly.
Build the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle flour or cornstarch into the skillet and stir continuously to make a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and apple cider vinegar (natural) to form a smooth, bubbly sauce. Stir in plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent until fully melted and blended for a creamy texture.
Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add shredded cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet, stirring gently to coat evenly with the creamy sauce and heat through.
Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle additional plant-based cheese on top to create a golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.

Notes

Always undercook pasta by one minute to avoid mushiness after baking.
Use fresh mushrooms and good quality smoked turkey bacon for best flavor.
Take time to properly sauté onions and bacon to build layer flavors.
Adjust sauce thickness with extra broth if it seems too thick before baking.
Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set the sauce and ease serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: chicken tetrazzini, creamy casserole, plant-based cheese, comfort food, baked pasta, smoked turkey bacon, easy dinner