Description

Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is a cozy and satisfying dinner dish featuring tender shredded chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese all combined in a rich, flavorful sauce. This comforting baked casserole blends earthy mushrooms, aromatic onions and garlic, and a luscious sauce thickened with natural gelling agent, making it an easy weeknight favorite that reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced

Pasta

8 ounces spaghetti noodles

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Sauce Components

1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Additional

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the noodles and proteins: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. While noodles cook, sauté diced smoked turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the veggies: In a medium pan, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and all moisture evaporates.
Make the creamy sauce: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed veggies and stir thoroughly to combine. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and plant-based cheese until a smooth, creamy sauce forms. Stir in the natural gelling agent to help the sauce set during baking.
Combine all ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and creamy sauce until everything is evenly coated. Gently fold in fresh parsley.
Bake to perfection: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; keep noodles al dente to prevent a mushy texture after baking.
Use freshly cooked or leftover roasted chicken for best results.
Crisp the smoked turkey bacon first to add texture and smoky flavor.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to thicken the sauce and blend flavors.
Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Chicken Tetrazzini, casserole, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, creamy sauce, comforting dinner, easy weeknight meal