Description
Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy and comforting pasta casserole combining tender chicken, smoked turkey bacon, and luscious plant-based cheese in a rich sauce. This easy, one-dish meal is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, featuring simple ingredients and straightforward preparation to deliver a warm, satisfying dish with a smoky twist and plant-powered creaminess.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 ½ cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Seasoning & Herbs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the pasta just shy of al dente according to package instructions. Dice the cooked chicken breast and slice the smoked turkey bacon. Chop the onions, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms.
- Cook the Aromatics and Mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until they become fragrant and translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and begin to brown, developing a deep flavor base.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the softened aromatics and mushrooms, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux without lumps. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer to thicken. Stir in the plant-based cheese until melted and silky. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, pepper, and the natural gelling agent, stirring to combine and set the sauce perfectly.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Bacon: Fold the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and smoked turkey bacon into the creamy sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Optionally, sprinkle extra plant-based cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly, creating a delicious crust that brings the dish together.
Notes
- Cook pasta slightly underdone as it will finish cooking in the sauce and oven, preventing mushiness.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to brighten the dish and balance richness.
- Do not skimp on the smoked turkey bacon for optimal depth of flavor.
- Constantly stir the sauce, especially after adding flour and broth, to avoid lumps.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking so the servings hold together nicely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Chicken Tetrazzini, creamy pasta casserole, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, comfort food, one-dish meal, easy dinner recipe
