BEST SOUTHERN CHICKEN TETRAZZINI RECIPES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente (if a range is given on the box, choose the shortest time, otherwise, cook it 1 minute less than the suggested time). Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
• Meanwhile, melt the butter with the canola oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the hot skillet and cook, turning once, until golden brown and just cooked through, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add the cauliflower, onion and mushrooms to the skillet along with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened and the mushrooms are tender, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over top and cook, stirring, until all of the flour has moistened, about 1 minute. Add the wine and simmer, stirring, until reduced by about half. Add the chicken broth and 1/4 cup water, increase the heat to medium high and cook, stirring constantly, until simmering and slightly thickened. Add the heavy cream, cream cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan; stir to combine. Pour all of the sauce and vegetables into the pot with the pasta. Add the peas, thyme and green chiles. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer the mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. If not serving right away, let cool. Cover and refrigerate up to overnight.
• When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Bake until hot and bubbling, about 45 minutes.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to boil over high. Add pasta; reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until noodles are al dente, 8 to 9 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high. Add onion and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated, 7 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium.
• Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid; set aside. Stir sherry into mushroom mixture, gently scraping to loosen browned bits; stir in butter until melted. Add flour; cook, stirring constantly, until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Add broth and reserved cooking liquid; cook, stirring, until liquid begins to thicken, about 3 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan, cream cheese, and salt; cook, stirring constantly, until smooth, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add chicken and cooked pasta; stir to coat.
• Preheat broiler to high. Transfer pasta mixture to a deep 3-quart baking dish. Top with panko and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Broil until top is golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oven; garnish with parsley.