Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey or chicken. This casserole combines tender turkey pieces, a rich and creamy sauce, spaghetti, and a crunchy topping baked to golden perfection. It’s an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, offering classic flavors with a touch of elegance. With its luscious sauce, earthy mushrooms, and cheesy finish, this dish is sure to become a favorite comfort food in your home. Whether you’re making it after the holidays or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this recipe is easy to prepare and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Leftovers: Ideal for using up leftover turkey, especially after Thanksgiving or holiday meals.
• Family-Friendly: A creamy, cheesy pasta bake that everyone at the table will love.
• One-Pan Wonder: Combining pasta, protein, and vegetables into one casserole simplifies meal planning.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins like chicken or seafood.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Serving Size: 1 ½ cups

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 480
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 33g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine (uncooked)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or turkey broth (low-sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions.
2. Drain the pasta and set aside. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are golden and tender.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
2. Gradually whisk in the chicken or turkey broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Add the Turkey and Pasta

1. Stir the shredded turkey, frozen peas (if using), Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
2. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the turkey and pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and Parmesan cheese.
2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 7: Bake

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
2. For an extra crispy topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.

Ingredient Background

Turkey

Leftover turkey is a great choice for this recipe, as it’s already cooked and easy to shred or dice. If you don’t have turkey, rotisserie chicken or even cooked shrimp can be substituted for a delicious variation.

Pasta

Spaghetti is the traditional choice for tetrazzini, but fettuccine, linguine, or penne can also work well. Use gluten-free pasta if needed for dietary preferences.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms add an earthy depth of flavor to the dish. White mushrooms are classic, but baby bella or cremini mushrooms can also be used for a richer taste.

Creamy Sauce

The combination of heavy cream, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a velvety sauce that clings to the pasta. Adjust the amount of cream to control the richness of the dish.

Technique Tips

1. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it doesn’t become mushy when baked in the sauce.
2. Whisk the Sauce Constantly: When adding the broth and cream to the flour, whisk continuously to avoid lumps and create a smooth sauce.
3. Customize the Flavor: Adjust seasonings like thyme, paprika, or Dijon mustard to suit your taste.
4. Broil for Crispiness: Broiling the casserole for a few minutes creates a golden, crunchy topping.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Mini Tetrazzini Cups: Divide the mixture into muffin tins and bake individual servings for a fun, portion-controlled option.
2. One-Pot Stovetop Tetrazzini: Skip the baking and serve the dish straight from the skillet for a quicker, one-pot version.
3. Vegetarian Tetrazzini: Replace the turkey with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or butternut squash for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Additional Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the mushrooms in a single layer to allow them to brown rather than steam.
• Cheese Variations: Try swapping mozzarella with Gruyère, fontina, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Add a Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce on top for a spicy twist.

Recipe Variations

1. Chicken Tetrazzini: Replace the turkey with shredded or diced cooked chicken for a classic variation.
2. Seafood Tetrazzini: Use cooked shrimp or lump crab meat for an elegant seafood version.
3. Gluten-Free Tetrazzini: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
4. Low-Carb Tetrazzini: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, low-carb option.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing Instructions

1. Assemble the tetrazzini in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
2. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed.

Storage Tips

1. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or high-protein alternatives.
2. Lighten the Sauce: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and substitute milk for heavy cream.
3. Add More Vegetables: Increase the amount of vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Family Dinner: Pair with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Potluck Favorite: Bring this dish to your next potluck—it’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Holiday Leftovers: Serve Turkey Tetrazzini the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas for a creative way to repurpose holiday leftovers.

Special Equipment

1. Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For cooking the sauce and combining ingredients.
2. 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: Perfect for even baking and serving.
3. Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth, lump-free sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent substitute for turkey in this recipe.

2. How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?

Cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it when ready to serve.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, Turkey Tetrazzini freezes well. Assemble the dish but do not bake it before freezing.

5. What other toppings can I use?

Try crushed crackers, fried onions, or a mixture of Parmesan and mozzarella for a different topping.

6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut milk or almond milk for the sauce and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

7. How can I make this gluten-free?

Substitute gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.

8. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or bowties can be used in place of spaghetti.

Conclusion

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini is a comforting, versatile dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday leftovers, or any time you’re craving a hearty casserole. With its rich sauce, tender turkey, and cheesy topping, this recipe hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal. Simple to make, easy to customize, and freezer-friendly, this is a dish that every home cook should have in their repertoire. Try it today, and watch it become a staple at your table!

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