Copycat Luby's Chicken Tetrazzini

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Luby's Cafeteria makes a delicious tetrazzini that you can copy at home with this recipe. It's a great way to use leftover chicken (or turkey).

serves/makes:

ready in:
30-60 minutes

5 reviews

ingredients

12 ounces spaghetti
1 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups shredded American cheese
4 cups diced cooked chicken
2 teaspoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons diced pimento

directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cook spaghetti according to package directions, adding oil and salt. Drain.

In large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Add soup, broth, salt and 1 1/2 cups of the cheese. Cook and stir until smooth and melted. Add spaghetti and chicken, mixing well. Transfer to a 2-quart baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove foil and sprinkle with rest of cheese. Bake until cheese melts, then sprinkle with parsley and pimento.

added by

gennyblake

recipe tips

Try topping the casserole with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.

Experiment with herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary in the sauce for additional flavor.

Make sure to stir well when combining the pasta with the sauce to make sure every strand is evenly coated.

If adding other fresh vegetables, saute them before adding to the dish for best texture.

Let the dish cool slightly after baking before serving, as this will allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld better.

Try using a mix of cheese for a more complex flavor, like sharp cheddar or parmesan for a more gourmet touch.

Add spices such as paprika or cayenne for a little heat, or fresh parsley for garnish.

common recipe questions

What is Chicken Tetrazzini?

Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy pasta dish made with cooked chicken and spaghetti, typically combined with a rich sauce.

Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?

You can use other pasta types such as penne, fettuccine, or linguine. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can make a homemade version using sauteed mushrooms and a white sauce or use other soups like cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for variety.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

You can make it healthier by using whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and incorporating more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is a great option that saves time and adds flavor. Just shred it from the bones before adding it into the dish.

What type of cheese works best in Chicken Tetrazzini?

American cheese gives a creamy texture, but you can substitute with Swiss, gouda, or a mixture of your favorite cheeses. Just make sure they are meltable cheeses so you get a creamy sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time from cold.

Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?

Cover it tightly and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Can I add vegetables?

Vegetables such as peas, green beans, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added. Cook or saute them before adding.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat: Heat in a foil covered baking dish at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or place individual portions on a microwave safe plate and microwave, covered with plastic, on 50% power until reaheated.

tools needed

Dutch Oven: For melting butter and cooking the onion and garlic, as well as for mixing the ingredients together before transferring to the baking dish.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring ingredients such as the vegetable oil, salt, onion, chicken broth, parsley, and chicken.

Large Pot: To cook the spaghetti according to package directions before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Baking Dish (2-quart): For baking the chicken tetrazzini.

Foil: To cover the baking dish initially while baking.

Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring the mixture in the Dutch oven and for combining ingredients before transferring to the baking dish.

Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing the onion, garlic, chicken, parsley, and pimento.

nutrition data

672 calories, 30 grams fat, 48 grams carbohydrates, 51 grams protein per serving.

reviews & comments

lizaR REVIEW:
June 8, 2024

DELISH! My husband had been wanting chicken spaghetti. Found this recipe. Made it & OMG DELISH & EASY
MB REVIEW:
May 7, 2020

Very good and easy to make! However, to me, it was a little too thick. Going to add more liquid next time.
Ketta REVIEW:
March 9, 2018

Very easy recipe to follow! I added a bit more onion and used season all instead of salt. I also used fresh parsley for the garnish!
cyndi REVIEW:
September 2, 2010

I just made this and it was very easy to make. The family loves it. The only thing I changed was 1 tbsp of chicken boullion mixed into soup mix instead of regular salt. (no salt in water)
bmcginley REVIEW:
April 19, 2010

Very delicious and very easy. Freezes well. Would highly recommend. I had some company over, pulled it out of the freezer and it was a hit.

Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.