If you’ve ever wanted a hearty, cozy meal that practically makes itself while you go about your day, then this Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is destined to become one of your kitchen favorites. Imagine tender chunks of chicken mingling with earthy mushrooms and tender noodles, all wrapped up in a luscious, cheesy sauce that’s bursting with Italian-inspired flavors. This recipe delivers comfort with minimal effort, making it an ideal dish to come home to after a busy day. Let me walk you through every detail so you can enjoy this scrumptious Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe just like I do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe starts with simple yet essential ingredients that balance each other out perfectly. Each component brings something special to the table, from the tender chicken that adds protein, to the cream cheese providing a silky richness, and the mushrooms contributing an earthy depth that rounds out the dish.
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking and tender bites.
- 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms: Offer a meaty texture and deepen the flavor; white button or portobello mushrooms are great substitutes.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch, caramelizing them first gives an extra layer of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that unmistakable savory aroma and taste that infuses the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings authentic Italian flair to your tetrazzini.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: To enhance and bring all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle, warming spice.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base and keeps everything moist during cooking.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed: This melts into a velvety sauce that binds the dish beautifully.
- 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, giving that irresistible cheesy pull.
- 16 ounces dry spaghetti: Or any long pasta shape you prefer to soak up the creamy sauce.
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A nutty, salty finish that adds a lovely contrast.
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant pop of color and mild herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Crockpot and Ingredients
Getting started is a breeze! Spray the inside of your crockpot with some nonstick cooking spray to make cleanup easier. Then cube your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and absorb all the flavors perfectly.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
Next, toss the chicken, sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic right into the crockpot. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for that quintessential Italian essence. Pour in the chicken broth, then gently tuck the cream cheese cubes into the mixture. Give everything a good stir—this is what transforms the ingredients into that creamy sauce everyone loves.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Mixture
Cover your crockpot and set it on low, letting it work its magic for 4 to 5 hours. The slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and the mushrooms and onions to release their full flavor, marrying all the ingredients into a harmonious blend you won’t want to miss.
Step 4: Melt in the Mozzarella Cheese
When the chicken is tender and cooked through, crank up the heat to high. Stir in the freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, then cover again and cook for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, golden layer. This step adds richness and that luxurious cheesy texture everyone craves in a tetrazzini.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta Separately
While the cheese is melting, boil your spaghetti or preferred pasta according to the package instructions. Cooking the noodles outside the crockpot ensures perfect texture—al dente and ready to soak up the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta and fold it gently into the crockpot mixture. Toss everything together so every strand of spaghetti is coated with that luscious cheesy sauce, dotted with tender chicken pieces and mushrooms. It’s a beautiful mess of deliciousness!
Step 7: Final Touches and Serve
Dish out the tetrazzini onto plates or a big serving bowl. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of minced parsley for color and a bright, fresh finish. This final touch elevates the appearance and adds just a hint of extra flavor.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is a chance to get creative. Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of green but also brightens the flavors. A shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty layer that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish is comforting and filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. A side of garlic bread or crusty baguette is also an excellent choice for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Serve your Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe in individual ramekins or shallow bowls for a rustic yet elegant presentation. You could even sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top and briefly broil to create a crunchy topping that contrasts delightfully with the creamy interior.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day. Simply reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, the Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe freezes well. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the sauce stays smooth. Adding a splash of chicken broth or milk can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs or tenders work wonderfully in this recipe, giving even juicier and more flavorful results due to their higher fat content. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
What pasta works best for Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe?
Traditional spaghetti or any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine works beautifully, but you can also try short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook the pasta separately to perfect texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or a plant-based chicken alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cream cheese and mozzarella will keep the sauce creamy and delicious.
How creamy is this dish? Will I need extra sauce?
This Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe results in a wonderfully creamy and cheesy sauce thanks to the cream cheese, mozzarella, and broth. If you prefer it saucier, you can add a touch more chicken broth when mixing in the pasta.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can assemble everything in the crockpot insert the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and then cook it the next day. Just add a little extra cooking time since the ingredients will be cold initially.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe a try because it’s one of those comforting, effortless meals that really feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for busy days and family dinners alike, thanks to its simple ingredients and slow-cooked goodness. Once you taste how creamy, cheesy, and tender this dish is, I’m sure it will become a loved staple in your rotation, just as it has in mine!
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Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting, easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy days. Tender chicken cooked low and slow with mushrooms, garlic, and Italian seasoning is combined with rich cream cheese and melted mozzarella for a luscious sauce. Tossed with spaghetti and topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley, it delivers classic Italian-inspired flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes (thighs or tenders work as well)
- 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms (white button or portobello mushrooms also work)
- 1 onion, diced (or caramelized for extra flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Dairy and Cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes (1 brick)
- 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Pasta and Garnish
- 16 ounces dry spaghetti (1 box, or any long pasta shape)
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Crockpot: Spray your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Ingredients: Place chicken, mushrooms, diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, ground black pepper, chicken broth, and cubed cream cheese into the crockpot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Melt Cheese: Increase the crockpot heat to high. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, cover again, and cook for another 15 minutes or until the cheese melts completely.
- Cook Pasta: While the cheese is melting, prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the crockpot. Toss gently to coat the pasta thoroughly in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Dish out the tetrazzini onto plates or bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and minced parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs or tenders for the breast if preferred.
- Caramelized onions add a deeper flavor but are optional.
- Use any long pasta shape you like if you prefer over spaghetti.
- For a lower-fat version, reduce the amount of cheese or use light cream cheese and mozzarella.
- If cream cheese isn’t available, sour cream can be a substitute but will change the flavor slightly.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the microwave or stovetop.
