Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe

Introduction: The Perfect Comfort Dish

When it comes to hearty, satisfying meals, few dishes rival the creamy, cheesy goodness of Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini. This dish, rooted in classic Italian-American cuisine, brings together tender chicken, rich cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta to create a meal that will have your taste buds singing. Using the convenience of a slow cooker, this version of Chicken Tetrazzini saves time without sacrificing any flavor, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Whether you’re familiar with this pasta-based dish or are trying it for the first time, this recipe will guide you through each step to ensure a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

A Brief History of Chicken Tetrazzini

Named after the famous Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini, this dish was created in the early 1900s in America. Though there are many variations, the classic Chicken Tetrazzini features a creamy white sauce with mushrooms, butter, and Parmesan, tossed with spaghetti or fettuccine. It’s a true fusion of Italian and American flavors, offering both elegance and homestyle comfort.

Now, with the modern convenience of a slow cooker, you can recreate this beloved dish with minimal effort, allowing the rich flavors to develop over hours of gentle cooking.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini

For the best flavor and texture, it’s important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Tetrazzini Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
• 8 oz spaghetti (or fettuccine, broken in half)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or button mushrooms work best)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup frozen peas (for added color and sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)

These ingredients bring together a rich combination of savory, cheesy, and creamy flavors, perfectly complementing the delicate chicken and pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a delicious outer texture before it finishes cooking in the slow cooker. Set the seared chicken aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and slightly browned. Deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. This step intensifies the flavor of your dish.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Now, it’s time to assemble your slow cooker. Place the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the sautéed vegetables over the top. Add the remaining chicken broth and stir in heavy cream. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or on high heat for 2 hours.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

After the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove the breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken and sauce continue to simmer, cook the spaghetti (or fettuccine) according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Combine and Add Cheese

Once the chicken is shredded and the pasta is ready, stir the sour cream into the slow cooker, making the sauce even creamier. Add the cooked spaghetti, mixing gently to combine everything. Next, sprinkle in the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until both are melted and incorporated into the dish.

If you’d like to add frozen peas or a splash of lemon juice for a bit of freshness, now is the time to do so. Cook for another 15 minutes on low to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once the cheese has fully melted and the sauce has thickened, your Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini is ready to serve! Scoop out generous portions onto plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy the creamy, rich flavors with every bite!

Optional Tips:

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during the final 15 minutes of cooking.
• For a golden, crispy topping, transfer the Tetrazzini to a baking dish after slow cooking, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and more Parmesan, and broil for 3-5 minutes until the top is browned.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini Is a Must-Try

Not only is this Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini recipe incredibly delicious, but it’s also ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender chicken and a creamy, luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta. This is the kind of meal that brings warmth and comfort to any table, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

From the history of Chicken Tetrazzini to the detailed, step-by-step instructions, this recipe has been designed to deliver restaurant-quality results with the ease of slow cooking. Make sure to save this recipe for those busy days when you crave a comforting, homemade meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.