Save This creamy one-pot chicken tetrazzini transforms weeknight dinners with a surprising twist of pickle brine that adds brightness to comfort food. My family initially raised eyebrows at the pickle addition, but it's now our most requested pasta dish when everyone craves something cozy yet interesting.
I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. The pickle brine was a desperate substitution when I realized I was out of white wine, but that happy accident created something my teenagers now specifically ask for by name.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups Provides lean protein and makes this a complete meal. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully for convenience.
- Spaghetti or linguine: 8 oz The pasta cooks directly in the broth, absorbing all the flavors while releasing starches that thicken the sauce.
- Frozen peas: 1 cup Adds bright color, sweetness, and nutrition. No need to thaw them first.
- Onion and garlic: Create the aromatic foundation. Choose yellow onions for their balanced sweetness.
- Diced dill pickles: 1/2 cup Provides texture and tangy bursts of flavor. Look for crisp, refrigerated pickles rather than shelf stable ones.
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup Creates silky richness. Full fat works best for preventing curdling.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese: Creates the perfect creamy, melty texture while adding umami depth.
- Chicken broth: 2 1/2 cups Forms the base of your sauce. Low sodium allows better control of the final saltiness.
- Dill pickle brine: 1/4 cup The secret ingredient that gives this dish its unique tangy profile. Save the brine when you finish a jar of pickles.
- Dried dill: Complements the pickle flavor. Fresh dill works even better if available.
Instructions
- Create the flavor base:
- Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until it starts to foam. Add the chopped onion and cook for a full 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and translucent but not browned. This creates a sweet foundation for the dish.
- Incorporate aromatics:
- Add minced garlic to the softened onions and cook for exactly one minute, stirring constantly. You should smell the garlic becoming fragrant but watch carefully to prevent burning, which would create bitterness.
- Combine main components:
- Add the cooked chicken, broken pasta pieces, chicken broth, and pickle brine all at once. Stir thoroughly to ensure all pasta is submerged in liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Simmer pasta:
- Reduce heat to maintain a consistent simmer, then cover the pot. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes, lifting the lid to stir every 3 minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta should become almost al dente and absorb most of the liquid, but a small amount of liquid should remain to form your sauce.
- Add vegetables and creaminess:
- Stir in the frozen peas, diced pickles, heavy cream, dried dill, and black pepper. Leave the pot uncovered and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the peas brighten in color and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. The cream should never reach a full boil.
- Finish with cheese:
- Add both cheeses and stir continuously until completely melted and incorporated into a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust salt as needed, remembering the pickle brine and cheeses already contribute saltiness.
Save This recipe was born from my grandmother's depression-era habit of saving every drop of pickle juice. She taught me that brine is liquid gold in the kitchen, adding complexity to everything from marinades to pasta dishes. The first time I made this for my husband, he couldn't identify the secret ingredient but kept saying it was the best tetrazzini he'd ever tasted.
Make-Ahead Options
This dish actually improves overnight as the flavors meld together. To prepare in advance, follow all steps but undercook the pasta slightly by about 1 minute. Cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, as the pasta will continue absorbing liquid while stored.
Pickle Variations
The type of pickle brine you use dramatically changes the character of this dish. Traditional dill pickle brine creates a bright, herbal note, while bread and butter pickle brine adds sweetness that children particularly enjoy. For an adventurous twist, try using spicy pickle brine or even pickled jalapeño liquid for heat that balances the creamy elements. Just be mindful that the brine should complement, not overwhelm the dish.
Vegetarian Adaptation
Transform this into a meatless meal by replacing chicken with 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms. Cremini or portobello varieties provide meaty texture and umami flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy pickle elements. Add the mushrooms during the onion cooking step and allow them to release and reabsorb their moisture before continuing with the recipe. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy pasta with a crisp, acidic side salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. A simple arugula salad with lemon juice and olive oil works beautifully. For a heartier meal, garlic bread provides delicious contrast and helps scoop up every bit of the creamy sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complement the tangy notes.
Save Recipe FAQ
- → What does dill pickle brine add to the dish?
Dill pickle brine provides a tangy, savory note that brightens the creamy sauce and enhances the overall flavor.
- → Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken makes this dish even quicker and adds convenience.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
- → Which cheese alternatives work in this dish?
Gruyère or Monterey Jack can replace mozzarella for a unique flavor profile while keeping the creamy texture.
- → How can I add more vegetables?
Stir in sliced mushrooms or baby spinach with the peas to boost the vegetable content and add variety.
- → What can I serve alongside?
A fresh green salad or crusty bread complements the creamy, tangy pasta and rounds out the meal beautifully.