This Pioneer Woman Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with smoked Gouda and rotisserie chicken. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about an hour.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. salted butter, plus more for the pan
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water
- 1 lb. spaghetti, broken in half
- 1 (8-ounce) package cremini mushrooms, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup dry white wine
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese (about 4 ounces)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup panko
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Tetrazzini
- Prep Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it for 2 minutes less than the package directs. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the spaghetti.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and ½ teaspoon of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Build the Cream Sauce: Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the white wine and let it cook, scraping the bottom of the pan, until it has reduced by half. Slowly stir in the chicken broth and cook until the sauce thickens, about 7-9 minutes.
- Add Cheeses and Finish Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cubed cream cheese, smoked Gouda, and ¾ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Stir gradually until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Everything: Add the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, and frozen peas to the sauce. Stir to combine. Add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the mixture is very saucy.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in the panko, parsley, and the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole. Bake for about 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips
- How to avoid mushy pasta? The key is to undercook the spaghetti by a couple of minutes before adding it to the sauce. It will finish cooking in the oven and absorb the sauce without becoming too soft.
- Why reserve the pasta water? The starchy water that the pasta cooked in is liquid gold! It helps to emulsify and thicken the sauce, making it extra creamy and helping it cling to the noodles.
- Can I use a different cheese? While smoked Gouda gives a wonderful, unique flavor, you could substitute it with regular Gouda, Gruyère, or even a sharp white cheddar.
- What kind of white wine is best? Use a dry white wine that you would enjoy drinking, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or an unoaked Chardonnay. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of extra chicken broth.
What To Serve With Chicken Tetrazzini
This is a rich, all-in-one meal, but it pairs nicely with simple, fresh sides:
- A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
- Garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce
How To Store Chicken Tetrazzini
- Refrigerate: Cover the cooled casserole tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking (without the topping). Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the topping and baking as directed (you may need to add extra time).
Pioneer Woman Chicken Tetrazzini Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 650-750 kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 38g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole (without the panko topping) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, prepare the topping, sprinkle it over the casserole, and add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely. While spaghetti is traditional, this dish is also delicious with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or a short pasta like penne or rotini.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Steamed broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions. Stir them in when you add the chicken and peas.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans Recipe
Pioneer Woman Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Description
A rich and creamy baked pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, mushrooms, and peas in a decadent smoked Gouda and Parmesan cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook spaghetti 2 minutes less than package directions; reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Sauté mushrooms in 2 tbsp butter until golden. Add garlic, then stir in flour.
- Deglaze with wine, then slowly stir in broth. Simmer until thickened.
- Reduce heat and melt in the cream cheese, Gouda, and ¾ cup Parmesan.
- Stir in chicken, spaghetti, peas, and enough reserved pasta water to make it very saucy.
- Pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with a mixture of panko, parsley, remaining Parmesan, and 2 tbsp melted butter.
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUndercooking the pasta initially is crucial to prevent it from becoming mushy in the final baked dish.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUsing a rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds a ton of flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t skip reserving the pasta water; it’s the secret to an extra-creamy sauce.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eSmoked Gouda adds a wonderful, unique flavor, but regular Gouda or Gruyère can be substituted.u003c/liu003e
