The Ultimate Creamy Linguine Chicken Tetrazzini: East Side Mario’s Copycat Recipe

Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this easy Linguine Chicken Tetrazzini. This recipe is a perfect East Side Mario’s copycat, featuring succulent, juicy chicken, vibrant homemade bruschetta, tender roasted garlic mushrooms, and an incredibly creamy, luxurious sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. It’s an ideal dish for a satisfying family dinner or a fantastic option for meal prepping throughout your busy week.

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Creating this satisfying linguine chicken tetrazzini at home brings the beloved Italian-American classic right to your dinner table. Forget dining out; with this recipe, you can recreate that restaurant-quality dish with ease, delivering a meal that’s both hearty and incredibly flavorful. It combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, bright bruschetta, and pasta coated in a dreamy, rich sauce – truly a culinary delight that’s perfect for any occasion.

How to Make This Delicious Linguine Chicken Tetrazzini

Making this creamy pasta dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by grilling or baking your chicken breasts until they are perfectly cooked through and golden brown. If grilling, aim for medium-high heat, cooking for 7-8 minutes per side. For baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the chicken in a small oven-safe dish and bake for about 20 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it across the grain into bite-sized pieces. Resting the chicken ensures it stays juicy and tender.
2. Assemble the Bruschetta: While the chicken cooks, prepare your fresh bruschetta. This involves finely dicing your plum tomatoes, mincing fresh garlic, and chopping fresh basil. Combine these vibrant ingredients in a small bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar. A pinch of salt enhances the fresh flavors. The fresh, tangy bruschetta adds a wonderful contrast to the rich pasta.
3. Roast the Mushrooms: Elevate the flavor of your dish by roasting the mushrooms. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large bowl, toss the small button mushrooms with olive oil, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for approximately 25 minutes, stirring every so often to ensure even browning. Roasting brings out their deep, earthy flavor and tenderizes them beautifully, adding another layer of complexity to the tetrazzini. These can also be prepared a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
4. Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions, typically 8-9 minutes, until it’s perfectly al dente. Al dente means the pasta is firm to the bite, offering a slight resistance, not mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly but do not rinse, as the starchy water clinging to the pasta helps the sauce adhere better. Set aside.
5. Craft the Creamy Sauce: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once completely melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until it forms a lightly golden paste and loses its raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the 2% milk, whisking continuously and vigorously to prevent any lumps and ensure a smooth consistency. Next, add the heavy cream and continue to stir until the mixture just comes to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, then add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth and thickened to your liking.
6. Combine and Heat: Add the drained linguine pasta, the vibrant homemade bruschetta, the savory roasted garlic mushrooms, and the tender sliced chicken to the creamy sauce in the saucepan. Gently toss all the ingredients together using tongs or a large spoon, ensuring the pasta and proteins are thoroughly coated in the rich sauce. Continue to cook over low heat for another 3-4 minutes, stirring gently, just until all components are heated through and the flavors have melded. Avoid overcooking at this stage to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the linguine chicken tetrazzini from the heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley. The parsley adds a burst of freshness, a lovely color, and an herbaceous finish that beautifully cuts through the richness of the dish. Serve immediately in warm bowls and savor every spoonful of this homemade delight!

Ingredients and Smart Substitutions for Chicken Tetrazzini

This recipe uses a blend of classic ingredients that contribute to its rich flavor and creamy texture. Here’s a detailed look at each component and some helpful substitutions you can make:

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and versatile, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star protein of this dish. For an even juicier and potentially more flavorful result, especially if you prefer a richer meat, consider using chicken thighs. Their higher fat content can add extra richness and moisture to the tetrazzini.
• Olive Oil: Essential for both cooking the chicken and roasting the mushrooms, it adds a foundational flavor. If you don’t have olive oil on hand, any neutral-flavored oil like avocado oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil will work equally well without altering the taste significantly.
• Button Mushrooms: These provide a mild, earthy flavor and a tender texture that pairs perfectly