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Chicken tetrazzini from scratch made with rotisserie chicken and frozen peas, served in a white bowl.
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5 from 1 vote

Stovetop Chicken Tetrazzini with Rotisserie Chicken

Stovetop Chicken Tetrazzini with Rotisserie Chicken is a quick, creamy, and deeply satisfying pasta dish. It transforms store-bought rotisserie chicken and fresh mushrooms into a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight.
Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course Chicken, Main Course Meat and Pasta
Cuisine: American-Italian
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 792kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided, plus more to taste and for the pasta water
  • 1 pound rotisserie chicken white and dark meat, diced
  • 22 ounces assorted fresh mushrooms torn or cut into bite-size pieces (about 8 cups), such as oyster, beech, or cremini
  • 2 medium shallots finely chopped (about ½ cup)
  • 2 garlic cloves smashed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup dry vermouth
  • 1 cup lower-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • 1 pound uncooked rigatoni
  • 6 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese finely grated on the smallest holes of a box grater (about 1½ cups), plus more for serving

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat while you prepare the toasted panko and sauce.
  • Heat a large, high-sided skillet or braiser over medium heat. Add the panko, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring often, until the breadcrumbs are crisp and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the toasted panko to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Carefully wipe the skillet clean.
  • Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and sprinkle them with the remaining ¾ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and nearly dry, 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Add the shallots, smashed garlic cloves, and butter. Cook, stirring often, until the shallots have softened and the mixture is fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in the thyme and crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Pour in the vermouth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen the flavorful browned bits. Cook over medium-high heat until the vermouth has almost completely evaporated, about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the broth has reduced by approximately half, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream. Remove and discard the smashed garlic cloves. Add the diced rotisserie chicken, any accumulated chicken juices, and the frozen peas. Cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the chicken and peas are heated through. Keep the sauce warm over low heat while the rigatoni cooks.
  • Generously salt the boiling pasta water. Add the rigatoni and cook, stirring occasionally, until molto al dente—about 2 minutes less than the package directions recommend. The pasta should still be quite firm because it will finish cooking in the sauce.
  • Before transferring the rigatoni, reserve at least 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Using a spider or slotted spoon, transfer the molto al dente rigatoni directly into the skillet with the sauce.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss frequently and cook until the rigatoni is al dente and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2 minutes. Add another splash of pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually add the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, tossing continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes glossy and clings to the rigatoni. Taste and add more salt if needed.
  • Divide the chicken tetrazzini evenly among six bowls. Finish each serving with the toasted panko and additional Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve immediately.

Notes

What you can make ahead:
  • Toast the panko up to one day ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • Dice the rotisserie chicken up to one day ahead. Put it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it until you are ready to make the dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 792kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 1173mg | Potassium: 896mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 910IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 404mg | Iron: 3mg