Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated? Look no further than our Chicken Cordon Bleu Tetrazzini recipe! This delightful fusion of classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors and creamy Tetrazzini pasta will transport your taste buds to culinary paradise. With layers of tender chicken, savory ham, al dente spaghetti, and a velvety Swiss cheese sauce, this dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Join us as we explore the art of gourmet comfort food and learn how to create this indulgent masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Introduction
Chicken Cordon Bleu Tetrazzini is a luxurious twist on two beloved classics: Chicken Cordon Bleu and Tetrazzini pasta. Combining the creamy richness of Tetrazzini with the savory goodness of Chicken Cordon Bleu, this dish offers a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal for your family, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So let’s dive into the kitchen and discover how to make this culinary masterpiece step by step.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups ham, chopped
- 1 pound spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
- 3/4 cup Swiss cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the roux turns golden brown and fragrant.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Slowly pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken, chopped ham, cooked spaghetti, and grated Swiss cheese to the skillet, stirring until everything is well combined and evenly coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter. Stir in the Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly combined.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the tetrazzini in the baking dish.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tetrazzini is bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the tetrazzini from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and ham and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken, to save time.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Tetrazzini? A: Yes, you can freeze this dish before baking. Simply assemble the tetrazzini in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyere, cheddar, or Monterey Jack to customize the flavor to your liking.
Q: How can I make a keto-friendly version of this recipe? A: To make a keto-friendly version, substitute the flour with almond flour and the spaghetti with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles. Use heavy cream and low-carb vegetables in the sauce, and skip the breadcrumbs or use a keto-friendly alternative.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food dish that combines the best of both worlds: creamy pasta and savory chicken. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and treat yourself to a taste of gourmet comfort with Chicken Cordon Bleu Tetrazzini tonight!
