Chicken Tetrazzini is a classic Italian-American casserole made with chicken, mushrooms, and al dente pasta baked in a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. Tetrazzini was named after the famous Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini and became popular in America in the early 20th century. While the origin is murky, it’s believed to have been created to use up leftover chicken and pasta in a quick and delicious way.
Chicken Tetrazzini makes a satisfying one-dish meal, but what are some tasty side dishes that can round it out? When serving Chicken Tetrazzini, you’ll want sides that complement the rich, creamy casserole without overpowering it. Here we’ll recommend some excellent sides to serve alongside chicken Tetrazzini and provide pairings that highlight the casserole’s iconic flavors.
Salad
A fresh, crisp salad is one of the best sides to serve with chicken Tetrazzini. The brightness of the vegetables balances the heavy creaminess of the casserole. Pick a salad with a light vinaigrette rather than a heavy cream-based dressing to prevent competing flavors.
Try pairings like:
- Green salad – Mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, balsamic vinaigrette
- Spinach salad – Baby spinach, strawberries, feta, lemon poppyseed dressing
- Wedge salad – Iceberg lettuce wedge, bacon, tomato, blue cheese dressing
The fresh vegetables and acidity from vinegars or citrus juices in vinaigrettes cuts through the richness of the Tetrazzini. Salads also add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to make the meal more nutritious.
Bread
Bread makes an excellent accompaniment to soak up the luscious sauce in chicken Tetrazzini. Choose bread that complements the dish without stealing the show.
Try pairings like:
- French baguette – The crusty exterior stands up to the sauce while the soft interior soaks it up.
- Focaccia – Herb flavors complement the seasonings in the Tetrazzini.
- Pretzel rolls – The bite of pretzels is a tasty contrast to the creaminess.
Bread gives you an edible utensil to enjoy every last bit of sauce. Opt for slices to wipe your plate clean. Resist heavy, greasy breads that might overshadow the casserole.
Vegetable Side
Since chicken Tetrazzini is rich and heavy, a vegetable side dish provides color and nourishment. The vegetables add vitamins, minerals and fiber. Choose a veggie that’s prepared in a light, fresh style to counter the heft of the Tetrazzini.
Try pairings like:
- Roasted asparagus – Simple olive oil preparation allows the vegetable’s crisp flavor to shine.
- Sautéed green beans – Quick-cooked beans stay crunchy and bright.
- Broccoli florets – Steamed or roasted briefly so they don’t get too soft.
The vegetables give a tasty and healthy balance to fill out the plate. You still get the comfort of Chicken Tetrazzini with the addition of greens.
Starch Side
While chicken Tetrazzini already contains pasta, serving it with a starchy side dish can provide extra comfort and fill up the plate. Choose starches that either contrast with or complement the pasta in the casserole.
Try pairings like:
- Mashed potatoes – The smooth, creamy potatoes contrast the chewy pasta.
- Polenta – The creamy cornmeal porridge echoes the Tetrazzini’s creaminess.
- Risotto – Short grain rice dishes match the Italian heritage.
Starchy sides give you options like mashed potatoes to enjoy each component of the dish in perfect bites or risotto to double down on the creamy texture.
Garlic Bread
Warm, buttery, garlicky garlic bread is pretty much everyone’s favorite accompaniment to a pasta dish. The richness matches chicken Tetrazzini while the strong garlic flavor balances the delicateness of the chicken and mushrooms.
Make your own quick garlic bread or buy a bakery loaf. Grilled or toasted garlic bread can stand up to the substantial casserole. The crunch contrasts the soft pasta for nice textural variety. Dip your garlic bread right into the casserole sauce for perfect flavor.
Recommendation Summary
| Side Dish | Pairing Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Salad | Green salad, spinach salad, wedge salad with light vinaigrettes |
| Bread | French baguette, focaccia, pretzel rolls |
| Vegetable | Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, broccoli florets |
| Starch | Mashed potatoes, polenta, risotto |
| Garlic Bread | Toasted or grilled garlic bread |
Conclusion
Chicken Tetrazzini is a hearty, comforting casserole that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For delicious and nutritious balance, choose a crisp green salad, crusty bread, fresh vegetable side, starchy accompaniment, or warm garlic bread. The sides should complement the Tetrazzini’s flavors without competing with or overpowering the dish. With a combination of bright, fresh and rich, indulgent pairings, you can create a show-stopping meal. Chicken Tetrazzini has endless delicious possibilities for side dishes to make a memorable Italian-American dinner.