Chicken and Ham Tetrazzini
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
This Chicken and Ham Tetrazzini is a dish born from my culinary experiments, where I meticulously blended the best elements from various recipes I tried. The result is a comforting and flavorful casserole that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken legs – the heart of this dish, providing rich flavor and hearty texture
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced – adds a smoky depth and additional protein
- 2 onions, finely chopped – for a fragrant, aromatic base
- 1 clove garlic, minced – enhances the overall savory profile
- 1 cup milk – to create a creamy sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped – for a burst of freshness
- 1/4 cup dried parsley – intensifies the herbal notes
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles – the perfect pasta to hold the sauce and flavors
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for a sharp, nutty finish
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and develop a deliciously golden top.
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Heat a small amount of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Allow the oil to get hot before adding the next ingredients to create a perfect sauté.
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Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onions are golden brown and fragrant, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This will form a flavorful base for your tetrazzini.
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Stir in the diced chicken and ham. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, and the ham starts to release its savory aroma. This step helps to integrate the meats with the flavors from the onions and garlic.
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Add in the mushrooms, if using, along with the milk. Stir well to combine everything into a cohesive mixture. The milk will help create a creamy sauce once baked.
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Season with fresh parsley, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste. The fresh and dried parsley will enhance the overall herbal flavor of the dish.
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Cover the saucepan and let the mixture simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add more milk or a little water to reach your desired consistency.
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While the chicken and sauce are simmering, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Aim for the minimum cooking time to keep the pasta slightly al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles well.
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Spray a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease it. This will prevent the tetrazzini from sticking to the dish.
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Spread the cooked spaghetti evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish. This will serve as the base layer of your dish.
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Arrange the cooked chicken and ham mixture over the spaghetti. Make sure it is distributed evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
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Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and ham mixture. This will add a delicious, cheesy layer to the casserole.
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Pour the remaining sauce over the top, covering everything evenly. This will help bind the pasta and meats together.
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Finish by sprinkling the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. This will create a delightful, golden crust as it bakes.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, covered. This will ensure the casserole heats through completely and the flavors meld together perfectly.
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Remove the cover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. This step adds a crispy texture to the top layer.
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Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This will help the dish set and make serving easier.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this tetrazzini with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- It pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
This Chicken and Ham Tetrazzini is a perfect weeknight dinner option that combines convenience with comfort, bringing together flavors that are both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, cheesy casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite! 🍽️🥄
