Description

Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender shredded chicken, smoky smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese in a luscious, flavorful sauce. This easy-to-make casserole brings together simple ingredients to create a warm, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep, with customizable options to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Dairy

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked until crisp
1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded, plus extra for topping

Vegetables

1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional: 1/2 cup diced bell peppers or 1 cup fresh spinach for vegetable boost

Pasta

8 ounces spaghetti or thin pasta (or gluten-free pasta)

Sauces and Liquids

1 1/2 cups plant-based cream or milk
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)

Others

1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (e.g., pectin, agar, carrageenan)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped, for garnish
Optional: toasted breadcrumbs or crushed smoked turkey bacon for topping

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta and Chicken: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure a perfect texture for mixing.
Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Veggies: In a large skillet, cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms until softened and fragrant, forming a flavorful base for the casserole.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the plant-based cream or milk with the natural gelling agent, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), salt, and pepper. Heat gently while whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes luscious.
Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, crisp smoked turkey bacon, and plant-based cheese. Pour the creamy sauce over and stir gently to evenly coat and allow the cheese to melt into the sauce.
Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish. Sprinkle additional plant-based cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden and slightly crispy.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; slightly undercook since it finishes cooking in the oven.
Use enough plant-based cream to keep the casserole moist but avoid a watery texture.
Toast mushrooms and onions until golden for enhanced flavor.
Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain bright, fresh flavors and avoid bitterness.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking before serving for easier portioning and better texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini, Smoked Turkey Bacon Casserole, Plant-Based Cheese, Comfort Food, Gluten Free Casserole