Description
This easy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is a comforting American pasta bake featuring tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and melty plant-based cheese in a luscious mushroom sauce. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, it combines creamy textures and rich flavors in a single dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken breast
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 8 ounces spaghetti pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based milk or cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar style), shredded
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Prepare Ingredients: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, chop smoked turkey bacon, onion, garlic, and slice the mushrooms to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Remove from pan and set aside. In the same pan, add onions and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until their moisture evaporates and they turn golden, about 6-7 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine plant-based milk or cream with chicken broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), and natural gelling agent. Warm gently over medium heat while stirring frequently to thicken the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or directly in the greased casserole dish, mix cooked pasta, shredded chicken, sautéed mushrooms and bacon, and creamy sauce until well coated.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the plant-based cheese (plant-based) over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Cook pasta slightly under al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
- Season chicken, sauce, and vegetables separately for deeper flavor profile.
- Use smoked turkey bacon for smoky richness without overpowering the dish.
- Do not omit the natural gelling agent; it ensures perfect sauce thickness.
- Let casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set and enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: thirty three g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Chicken Tetrazzini, Casserole, Pasta Bake, Comfort Food, Plant-Based Cheese, Smoky Turkey Bacon
