Delicious Turkey Tetrazzini: Easy Comfort Food Recipe

turkey tetrazzini

Turkey

Winter’s chill brings a need for something warm and comforting. Turkey tetrazzini is a classic that fits the bill perfectly. It’s a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that turns leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a tasty family meal.

What is Turkey Tetrazzini?

Turkey tetrazzini is a classic pasta casserole. It has cooked spaghetti or other long noodles in a rich, creamy sauce. The sauce includes white wine, mushrooms, turkey, vegetables, and cheese.

This dish is topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, and afterward, it’s baked until hot and bubbly.

It’s a tasty way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas. The turkey casserole mixes the savory flavors of turkey, mushrooms, and creamy sauce. It makes a cozy turkey pasta bake perfect for a meal.

Key Ingredients in Turkey Tetrazzini

  • Cooked spaghetti or other long pasta
  • Creamy, cheesy white wine sauce
  • Mushrooms
  • Green peas
  • Black olives
  • Cooked turkey
  • Crispy panko breadcrumbs

The mix of these ingredients makes a delightful creamy turkey pasta dish. It’s sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

“Turkey tetrazzini is a classic pasta casserole that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey. The creamy, cheesy sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping make it a truly comforting and delicious dish.”

Ingredients for Turkey Tetrazzini

This turkey tetrazzini recipe combines savory and creamy elements for a comforting casserole. Let’s explore the turkey tetrazzini ingredients, tetrazzini recipe ingredients, and leftover turkey casserole ingredients needed:

  • Thin spaghetti or linguine pasta
  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • White mushrooms
  • White wine
  • All-purpose flour
  • Low-sodium turkey or chicken broth (2 1/2 cups)
  • Cream cheese (8 oz)
  • Cooked turkey (approximately 2 lbs or 5 cups chopped)
  • Black olives, sliced
  • Frozen green peas
  • Bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Panko breadcrumbs

The creamy, cheesy sauce is the heart of this recipe. It brings together tender turkey, earthy mushrooms, and crispy bacon. This mix creates a delicious dish.

IngredientQuantity
Thin spaghetti or linguine8 oz
Butter6 tbsp
All-purpose flour1/4 cup
Low-sodium turkey or chicken broth2 1/2 cups
Heavy cream1 cup
Cooked turkey2 lbs or 5 cups chopped
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese1 cup
Grated Parmesan cheese1/2 cup
Panko breadcrumbs1 cup

With these ingredients, you can make a delicious turkey tetrazzini. Your family will love it.

Preparing the Turkey Tetrazzini

To make the delicious turkey tetrazzini, start by cooking the spaghetti until it’s almost done. This keeps the pasta firm but not hard.

Next, sauté garlic and mushrooms in butter in a big pot. When the mushrooms are soft, add white wine and let it cook down a bit. This step adds a rich flavor to the dish.

Now, it’s time for the creamy sauce. Make a roux with flour, then slowly add broth while whisking. Add cream cheese, cooked turkey, olives, peas, bacon, and shredded cheese to the sauce. Mix in the cooked spaghetti with the turkey mixture. Then, put it all in a baking dish.

Finally, top the turkey tetrazzini with crispy panko breadcrumbs. This adds a nice crunch to the casserole.

  1. Cook spaghetti until just shy of al dente.
  2. Sauté garlic and mushrooms in butter.
  3. Add white wine and let it reduce.
  4. Create a roux with flour, then whisk in broth.
  5. Melt cream cheese into the sauce.
  6. Stir in cooked turkey, olives, peas, bacon, and shredded cheeses.
  7. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the creamy turkey mixture.
  8. Transfer to a baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs.
IngredientAmount
Spaghetti noodles16 ounces
Butter12 tablespoons
Cremini mushrooms½ pound
Garlic cloves2
Bay leaves2
Chicken or turkey broth3 ½ cups
Dry white wine½ cup
Whole milk½ cup
Parmesan cheese, grated1 cup
Frozen peas2 cups
Cooked turkey breast4 cups
Dry breadcrumbs⅓ cup

This how to make turkey tetrazzini guide ensures every bite is creamy, cheesy, and crunchy. Follow these steps for turkey tetrazzini for a perfect prepping turkey tetrazzini experience.

Baking the Turkey Tetrazzini

It’s time to bake your turkey tetrazzini casserole. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Get ready to enjoy the amazing smell of this dish. The secret to a great turkey tetrazzini is in the cooking time and temperature.

First, put the turkey tetrazzini mixture in a big baking dish. Make sure the dish is safe for the oven and big enough for the casserole. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.

Then, sprinkle the panko breadcrumb topping on top. This will give you a crispy crust that goes well with the creamy filling. Don’t add too many breadcrumbs for the right texture.

IngredientAmount
Chopped leftover turkey4 cups
Spaghetti1 pound
Sliced brown mushrooms6 cups
Mozzarella cheese, shredded1 cup
Parmesan cheese, grated1 cup
Plain breadcrumbs1/4 cup

When the oven is ready, put the dish in and bake for about 20 minutes. Watch it closely towards the end to avoid burnt breadcrumbs. It’s done when it’s hot and bubbly all over.

With the right baking temperature and cooking instructions, your baked turkey tetrazzini will impress everyone. Enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones!

Turkey Tetrazzini Variations

The traditional turkey tetrazzini recipe is great for leftover turkey. But, you can also use rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken instead. The creamy sauce and noodles go well with both turkey and chicken.

Making Tetrazzini with Chicken

To make turkey tetrazzini with chicken, just replace the turkey with cooked, shredded chicken. Use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken. Adjust the ingredients to match your chicken and pasta ratio.

IngredientTurkey TetrazziniChicken Tetrazzini
Cooked Turkey/Chicken5 cups5 cups
Dry Spaghetti Noodles1 pound (16 oz)1 pound (16 oz)
Butter6 tablespoons, divided6 tablespoons, divided
Mushrooms8 oz crimini, sliced8 oz crimini, sliced
Garlic5 cloves, minced5 cloves, minced
White Wine3/4 cup3/4 cup
Chicken Stock2 1/2 cups2 1/2 cups
Heavy Cream1/2 cup1/2 cup
Salt1 tsp, plus more to taste1 tsp, plus more to taste
Thyme2 tsp fresh, minced2 tsp fresh, minced
Black Pepper1/2 tsp freshly ground1/2 tsp freshly ground
Frozen Peas1 cup1 cup
Cheddar Cheese2 cups, shredded2 cups, shredded

Preparing turkey tetrazzini and chicken tetrazzini is almost the same. Just swap the turkey with cooked, diced chicken. Adjust ingredients to fit your taste.

Serving Suggestions for Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey tetrazzini is a comforting casserole that goes well with fresh side dishes. Try it with leftover Thanksgiving sides like roasted carrots or stuffed eggplant. A big fall salad with seasonal greens is also a great choice.

This creamy pasta dish pairs well with pumpkin pie or other fall desserts. Turkey tetrazzini is the main attraction, so light sides balance it out nicely.

What to Serve with Turkey Tetrazzini

  • Roasted carrots
  • Stuffed eggplant
  • Meatballs with tomato sauce
  • Parmesan roasted broccoli
  • Bacon chips
  • Zucchini casserole
  • Spring Panzanella salad

These side dishes offer a variety of flavors and textures that match the turkey tetrazzini well. From roasted veggies to fresh salads, there’s something for everyone.

Side DishPrep TimeCook TimeTotal Time
Roasted Carrots5 minutes20 minutes25 minutes
Stuffed Eggplant10 minutes30 minutes40 minutes
Meatballs with Tomato Sauce15 minutes25 minutes40 minutes
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli5 minutes25 minutes30 minutes
Bacon Chips5 minutes20 minutes25 minutes
Zucchini Casserole10 minutes45 minutes55 minutes
Spring Panzanella Salad15 minutes10 minutes25 minutes

These side dishes enhance the flavors of turkey tetrazzini. They add variety in texture and nutrition, balancing the rich casserole.

turkey tetrazzini

Make-Ahead Turkey Tetrazzini

This make ahead turkey tetrazzini recipe is perfect for those who love to prep meals early. It’s a hearty, comforting casserole that can be put together up to two days before baking. This way, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal with hardly any last-minute work.

To keep the tetrazzini’s texture just right, don’t add the crunchy panko breadcrumb topping until just before baking. This keeps the topping crisp, even after it’s been in the fridge.

To refrigerate the unbaked tetrazzini, just follow the assembly instructions, then cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, top it with panko breadcrumbs and bake. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time to heat it through.

This make-ahead method lets you enjoy homemade turkey tetrazzini without the stress of last-minute cooking. Just prep it early, then bake and serve when you’re ready for a tasty, satisfying meal.

“Preparing this turkey tetrazzini in advance is a game-changer. It allows me to enjoy a comforting home-cooked meal with minimal effort on busy weeknights.”

Storing Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini

Enjoying turkey tetrazzini doesn’t have to stop after the first serving. With the right storage, you can enjoy it for days. Here’s how to keep your turkey tetrazzini fresh and ready to eat.

Refrigerating Turkey Tetrazzini

Cover and store leftover turkey tetrazzini in the fridge for up to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy its creamy flavors all week. To reheat, put the desired amount in a small dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Freezing Turkey Tetrazzini

For even longer storage, freeze turkey tetrazzini for up to 3 months. Cover the casserole or portions tightly with foil or use an airtight container. To thaw and reheat, let it thaw in the fridge for 24 hours before baking as before.

Whether you’re storing leftover turkey tetrazzini, refrigerating turkey tetrazzini, or freezing turkey tetrazzini, these methods keep it delicious for weeks. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy turkey tetrazzini again and again.

“Leftover turkey tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food – creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Knowing how to properly store it means you can enjoy it for days or even months after the initial meal.”

storing leftover turkey tetrazzini

turkey tetrazzini

Turkey tetrazzini is a classic comfort food dish. It combines cooked turkey, spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe is great for using leftover turkey, turning it into a tasty casserole.

The recipe includes 12 ounces of spaghetti, a creamy sauce, and other tasty ingredients. These include white mushrooms, sherry, Parmesan cheese, and green peas. It’s topped with breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese before baking.

This dish is versatile. You can use leftover chicken instead of turkey. It has 13g of protein and 468 calories per serving, making it a nutritious meal.

To make it, cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente. Then, make the creamy sauce by sautéing garlic, onions, and mushrooms in butter. Add the liquid ingredients and thicken it with flour. Mix in the cooked turkey, peas, and seasonings before baking at 375°F for 30 minutes.

This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Once baked, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

With rave reviews, this turkey tetrazzini recipe is a family favorite. It averages 4.91 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews. Try it out and enjoy the flavors of this indulgent, yet easy, turkey casserole.

Reheating Turkey Tetrazzini

Reheating turkey tetrazzini is simple with a few easy steps. You can use the oven or microwave to warm it up. This way, you can enjoy its creamy flavors again.

Oven Reheating Method

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Put the tetrazzini in a small baking dish or pot. Cover it tightly with foil or a lid to keep moisture in.

Bake for 15-20 minutes. This will make the casserole hot and ready to eat.

Microwave Reheating Method

For a quicker option, try the microwave. Put the tetrazzini in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it’s warm.

Remember to use a safe container and cover it loosely. This prevents splatters.

Whether you choose the oven or microwave, reheating turkey tetrazzini gently is key. It keeps the flavors and textures great. Enjoy your cozy leftovers!

Conclusion

This turkey tetrazzini recipe is a delightful and comforting way to use leftover turkey. It’s creamy, cheesy, and easy to make. You can even prepare it ahead of time for more convenience.

It’s a classic dish that’s perfect for the holiday season. It’s sure to become a favorite in your family.

To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. The oven method takes about 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The microwave takes 2-3 minutes on medium power.

Let the leftovers rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before reheating. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of broth or stock.

This recipe is great for many occasions. You can serve it with fresh fall salads or air-fried side dishes. It’s a delicious way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers.

Enjoy the comforting flavors of this turkey tetrazzini. Make it a new tradition in your household.

FAQ

What is turkey tetrazzini?

Turkey tetrazzini is a comforting pasta casserole. It’s great for using leftover turkey. It has cooked spaghetti, creamy white wine sauce, mushrooms, green peas, black olives, turkey, and bacon. It’s topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs.

What are the key ingredients in this turkey tetrazzini recipe?

The main ingredients are thin spaghetti, butter, garlic, and white mushrooms. You also need white wine, flour, and turkey or chicken broth. Cream cheese, cooked turkey, black olives, frozen green peas, bacon, and cheeses are also key. Panko breadcrumbs top it off.

How do you prepare the turkey tetrazzini?

First, cook the spaghetti until it’s almost done. Then, sauté garlic and mushrooms in butter in a large pot. Add white wine and let it reduce.Stir in flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in the broth. Melt in the cream cheese, then add the turkey, olives, peas, bacon, and cheeses. Toss the spaghetti with the creamy mixture.Transfer it to a baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs.

Can I make substitutions for the turkey in this recipe?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or other cooked chicken if you don’t have leftover turkey.

Can I make turkey tetrazzini ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to two days ahead. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Add the panko breadcrumb topping before baking.

How do I store and reheat leftover turkey tetrazzini?

Store leftover turkey tetrazzini in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Or, reheat individual portions in the microwave.
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Tags:

Casserole Dish / Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini / Easy Comfort Food / Family-Friendly Meals / Pasta Casserole / Turkey Leftovers / Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe / Weeknight Dinner Recipe

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