Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a true crowd-pleaser with its creamy texture, satisfying flavors, and simple ingredients. The creamy sauce mixed with turkey and pasta makes for a comforting meal, while the golden, bubbly cheese topping adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s a great way to use leftover turkey or chicken, and you can even make it ahead for busy days.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or more for extra cheesiness!)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta: Boil spaghetti or linguine until al dente, drain, and set aside.
3. Sauté the mushrooms: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until soft and slightly browned. Set aside with the pasta.
4. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes. Slowly add broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Combine it all: Add pasta, mushrooms, and turkey to the sauce, mixing until everything is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add more broth or cream to adjust.
6. Assemble and bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, sprinkle mozzarella on top, and add breadcrumbs for crunch if desired.
7. Bake: Place in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Serve: Let cool slightly, then garnish with parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Substitute: You can easily swap turkey for chicken if preferred.
• Add More Veggies: Include peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.
• Lower Fat: Use milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute pasta with gluten-free spaghetti or linguine.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Let it cool before covering and freezing in an airtight container.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If your sauce is too thin, simply simmer it a bit longer, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it up.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it the next day.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?

Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce while baking.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can skip the turkey and add more vegetables, like zucchini or peas, for a hearty vegetarian version.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, it freezes well. Just let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

How long will this casserole last in the fridge?

It will stay good for about 3-4 days in the fridge when stored properly.

Can I add a crunchy topping without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use crushed crackers, nuts, or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.

Can I use store-bought broth?

Absolutely! Store-bought broth works just fine and saves time.

Conclusion

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food that turns leftover turkey into a creamy, cheesy delight. Whether it’s for a holiday meal or a cozy dinner on a cold night, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. With its delicious blend of flavors and easy preparation, it’s a perfect meal that will quickly become a family favorite!

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: servings
• Category: Casserole, Comfort Food
• Method: Baking, Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini is the perfect way to turn leftover turkey into a comforting, cheesy casserole. This dish combines tender pasta, savory turkey, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety creamy sauce topped with melted mozzarella, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. It’s a hearty, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or holiday leftovers.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or more for extra cheesiness!)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   Boil the pasta (spaghetti or linguine) until al dente, drain, and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
   Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until soft and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside with the cooked pasta.
4. Make the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes. Slowly add the broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
   Add the pasta, mushrooms, and turkey to the sauce, stirring until everything is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, adjust by adding more broth or cream.
6. Assemble and Bake:
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping if desired.
7. Bake:
   Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Serve:
   Let the casserole cool slightly, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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Notes

• Chicken Substitute: You can easily swap turkey for chicken.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to include peas, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Lower Fat: For a lighter version, use milk instead of heavy cream.
• Gluten-Free: Swap out regular pasta for gluten-free spaghetti or linguine.