Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic American dish that combines pasta, chicken, and a creamy sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Using a slow cooker to prepare this dish not only simplifies the process but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and delicious meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy a cozy, homemade dinner with minimal effort. Let’s explore how to make this delightful Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 8 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps lock in the flavors and juices of the chicken.
Step 2:
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 3:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This step adds depth to the flavor of the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4:
Carefully pour the broth and mushroom mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the dried thyme for an aromatic touch.
Step 5:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 6:
About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 7:
Cook the spaghetti or fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the slow cooker, stirring to combine it with the sauce and chicken.
Step 8:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of freshness and color.
Cooking Note:
For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the broth mixture during the deglazing process in Step 3. This will enhance the depth of the sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini hot, straight from the slow cooker. Pair it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also top it with additional grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.
Tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms and garlic make a big difference in flavor. Avoid canned mushrooms for the best results.
- Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth or heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat for a longer period results in more tender chicken, so opt for the low setting if you have the time.
- Add Veggies: For a nutritional boost, consider adding vegetables like broccoli or peas during the last hour of cooking.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Total Time:
4 hours and 20 minutes (low) or 2 hours and 20 minutes (high)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini is an easy and delicious recipe that brings the rich, creamy flavors of this classic dish to your table with minimal effort. The slow cooker ensures that the chicken is tender and the sauce is flavorful. Perfect for busy days or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try this recipe for your next meal and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade Chicken Tetrazzini. Happy cooking!
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes - 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini recipe delivers tender chicken and pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a comforting, hands-off dinner that your family will love!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 lb spaghetti or fettuccine pasta, cooked
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, mushrooms, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the pasta is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
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