Zippy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Turkey tetrazzini dazzles as a culinary chameleon, transforming humble leftovers into a gourmet masterpiece.

This Italian-American gem elevates comfort food to an art form with its luscious, creamy layers and tender protein.

Mushrooms whisper earthy undertones through a velvety sauce that hugs every pasta curve.

Weeknight warriors rejoice in a dish that combines simplicity with sophisticated flavor profiles.

Busy home chefs can craft this restaurant-quality casserole without breaking a sweat.

Pasta enthusiasts will swoon over the harmonious blend of textures and rich, indulgent seasonings.

One bite promises a delectable journey that bridges nostalgia and contemporary cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 482 kcal

Servings: 5

Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

• Egg Noodles, Macaroni, Spaghetti: Choose pasta that holds sauce well and cooks evenly; opt for high-quality brands with firm texture.

• Cooked Turkey, Chicken Stock, Whole Milk, Half-and-Half: Select tender, freshly cooked turkey; use low-sodium stock for better flavor control; choose full-fat dairy for richer sauce.
• Dry Sherry: Optional but adds depth; select a good quality cooking sherry for subtle complexity.

• Butter, Flour, Bread Crumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Use unsalted butter for precise seasoning; select fine, fresh bread crumbs for crispy texture; choose authentic, freshly grated Parmesan for authentic flavor.
• Mushrooms: Pick firm, fresh mushrooms without blemishes; white or cremini varieties work best for creamy consistency.

Tools to Bake a Creamy Tetrazzini

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta with plenty of room.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing mushrooms and creating creamy sauce.
• 13×9 Inch Baking Dish: Spacious vessel for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Colander: Essential for draining pasta smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Helps chop turkey and prepare ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise chopping.
• Measuring Cups: Accurately measure milk, stock, and ingredients.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth sauce without lumps.
• Small Bowl: Mixes bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and folding ingredients.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Prevents casserole from sticking.

Making Turkey Tetrazzini the Joy Way

• Prep the Cooking Zone

Warm up the oven to 400°F and grease a large baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.

• Cook Pasta and Protein

Boil salted water and cook pasta until tender. Simultaneously, prepare cooked turkey pieces ready to mix into the sauce.

• Create Mushroom Magic

Sauté fresh mushrooms in a skillet until they release their rich, earthy flavors and become perfectly tender.

• Craft Creamy Sauce

Whisk flour into mushroom mixture, slowly adding stock and cream. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, creating a luxurious base that hugs every ingredient.

• Blend and Layer

Combine tender pasta, succulent turkey, and velvety mushroom sauce in the baking dish. Mix thoroughly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

• Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle a blend of bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese over the casserole. Dot with small butter pieces to create a golden, crispy crust that adds texture and richness.

• Bake and Serve

Slide the casserole into the hot oven and bake until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the sauce bubbles with excitement. Pull out a dish that promises comfort and deliciousness in every mouthwatering spoonful.

Tips for Creamy Sauce and Tender Pasta

Swap turkey with leftover rotisserie chicken, shredded beef, or diced ham for delightful protein variations.

Toss in frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli during the sauce mixing stage to increase nutritional value and color.

Experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to create deeper flavor profiles. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a vibrant finish.

Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the total cooking time.

How to Serve Up This Comforting Casserole

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy casserole.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Add colorful roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts for extra nutrition and texture.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Match with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to enhance the delicate flavors of turkey and mushrooms.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and fresh, bright taste that cuts through the creamy sauce.

Freezing and Storing Turkey Tetrazzini

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover turkey casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the casserole tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Stays delectable for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger servings, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes to prevent drying out.
• Portion and Prep: Divide casserole into single-serve containers for grab-and-go lunches. Label with date and contents to track freshness and make meal planning a breeze.

Hearty Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic turkey tetrazzini brings comfort and warmth to family dinner tables across America. Creamy pasta layers combine with savory roasted turkey and mushrooms, creating a hearty meal you will savor with pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (1.25 lbs / 567 g) chopped cooked turkey
• 8 oz (226 g) dried spaghetti, macaroni, or egg noodles
• 8 oz (226 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 8 tbsps (113 g) butter
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock or broth
• 0.5 cup (50 g) grated parmesan
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) dry sherry (optional)
• 0.5 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup (60 g) dry bread crumbs

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F and delicately grease a 13×9 inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter.
2. Pasta Crafting: Plunge pasta into vigorously salted boiling water, cooking until perfectly tender. Meanwhile, transform butter into a luxurious molten state in a parallel saucepan over medium flame.
3. Mushroom Foundation: Sauté mushroom slices in liquefied butter, coaxing out their inherent moisture until they soften. Dust with flour, whisking diligently to construct a velvety roux.
4. Sauce Symphony: Stream chicken stock, whole milk, and dry sherry into the roux, whisking constantly to eliminate potential lumps. Simmer the concoction until it achieves a luscious, coating consistency.
5. Turkey Integration: Incorporate chopped turkey into the creamy essence, ensuring harmonious distribution. Marry the silky sauce with drained pasta, thoroughly coating each strand.
6. Topping Artistry: Blend breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese. Strategically dot the casserole’s surface with remaining butter, then lavishly scatter the breadcrumb mixture across the top.
7. Baking Finale: Thrust the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes. The dish is complete when edges bubble enthusiastically and the topping radiates a golden, crisp hue.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a delightful texture throughout the casserole.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk continuously while adding liquid to the roux to prevent lumpy sauce and achieve a silky, creamy consistency.
• Moisture Management: Sauté mushrooms thoroughly to release excess water, ensuring the final dish doesn’t become watery or soggy.
• Topping Technique: Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly and dot with butter for a guaranteed crispy, golden-brown crust that adds crunch and flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 482
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg