Description
Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is a comforting and protein-packed dish featuring tender chicken, creamy plant-based cheese, smoky turkey bacon, and pasta in a luscious sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners or make-ahead meals, this casserole offers rich flavors, satisfying textures, and easy customization options.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine (or gluten-free pasta)
- 4 ounces smoked turkey bacon, diced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Components
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 ½ cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. Dice the smoked turkey bacon and sauté in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. In the same pan, cook the diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms until soft and fragrant.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the skillet with the vegetables, whisk together plant-based milk, plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), and natural gelling agent. Stir gently over medium heat until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine all ingredients: Add cooked chicken, crisp smoked turkey bacon, sautéed vegetables, and cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly and distribute all ingredients well.
- Bake the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and sprinkle additional plant-based cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm, enjoying every creamy, flavorful bite.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
- Use freshly shredded chicken for best tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Do not skip crisping the smoked turkey bacon for added crunch and smoky flavor.
- Stir the sauce constantly while cooking to avoid lumps and ensure smooth creaminess.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: chicken tetrazzini, casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comforting dinner, creamy pasta
