Name: Turkey Tetrazzini
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter; 2 Tbsp Avocado or Olive Oil; 2 Shallots, sliced; 16 oz Cremini Mushrooms, sliced; 4-6 cloves Garlic, pressed; 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1/3 cup Sherry; 3 cups Chicken or Turkey Stock; 1 1/2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream; Salt and Black Pepper, to taste; 5-6 cups Cooked Leftover Turkey Meat, chopped; 8 oz Monterey Jack Cheese, grated; 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded or shaved; 1 lb Pasta, uncooked; 1 cup Peas, frozen or canned; 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs; 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese; 3 Tbsp Melted Butter; 2 Tbsp Minced Parsley

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There’s something irresistibly cozy about a home filled with the aroma of a bubbling casserole. Picture this: creamy sauce clinging to tender pasta, the earthy scent of sautéed mushrooms wafting through the air, and melty cheese beckoning you from the oven. That’s the magic of my favorite Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those chilly evenings when you want to indulge in something comforting yet delightful.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Turkey Tetrazzini

This recipe brings back fond memories of family gatherings, where leftover turkey never went to waste. We’d gather around the table, laughter echoing, and enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight that was always the star of the show. Whether it’s post-Thanksgiving or just a regular weekday, this casserole makes everything feel special. If you’re ready to create your own memories and fill your kitchen with the inviting scent of Turkey Tetrazzini, let’s get you cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up this dish in just about an hour (prep included!).
Irresistible Flavor: Think creamy, savory goodness, perfectly balanced with tender turkey and mushrooms.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden, crispy topping adds a fun twist to your comforting meal.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for leftovers, cozy dinners, or even a casual get-together.
Diet-Friendly Options: Customize it; swap in gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cheese if needed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Unsalted Butter (4 Tbsp): Adds richness to your dish. Use unsalted to control the saltiness.
Avocado or Olive Oil (2 Tbsp): Excellent for sautéing; both have great flavors, but avocado oil has a higher smoke point.
Shallots (2, sliced): Milder than onions; they sweeten as they cook, enhancing the overall flavor.
Cremini Mushrooms (16 oz, sliced): These mushrooms provide a beautiful depth of flavor. You can substitute with button mushrooms if necessary.
Garlic (4-6 cloves, pressed): A must for aromatic depth. Freshly pressed garlic has the strongest flavor!
All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Helps thicken the sauce, giving it that creamy texture.
Sherry (1/3 cup): Adds a touch of sophistication and depth. If you’re not a fan of sherry, a splash of white wine or even chicken broth offers a good alternative.
Chicken or Turkey Stock (3 cups): Essential for flavor—homemade stock can elevate your sauce!
Heavy Whipping Cream (1 1/2 cups): This makes the dish delectably creamy. For a lighter option, use half-and-half.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Season to your heart’s content; adjusting as you taste is vital!
Cooked Leftover Turkey Meat (5-6 cups, chopped): The star ingredient! Feel free to mix in rotisserie chicken for a quick alternative.
Monterey Jack Cheese (8 oz, grated): Melts beautifully! You might substitute with cheddar or a dairy-free cheese if desired.
Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, shredded or shaved): Adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish.
Pasta (1 lb, uncooked): Spaghetti is traditional, but feel free to use fettuccine, rotini, or any favorite.
Peas (1 cup, frozen or canned): Adds color and sweetness; they also bring a pop of freshness.
Panko Bread Crumbs (1 cup): For that crunchy topping—regular breadcrumbs work too if you’re out of Panko.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Part of the crispy topping for extra flavor.
Melted Butter (3 Tbsp): Combined with Panko, it creates the best crunchy topping.
Minced Parsley (2 Tbsp): Fresh parsley adds a beautiful garnish and a hint of herbaceousness.

How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and greasing a 9×13 deep casserole baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks as you bake your delicious creation. It’s always nice to have a ready-to-go pan waiting for what’s about to be a hearty, comforting meal!

Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a boil. Toss in your uncooked spaghetti and cook it al dente. Since this pasta will continue cooking in the oven, you want it slightly underdone. Once cooked, strain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rich sauce.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large pan over medium heat and melt the butter, then stir in the oil. Add the sliced shallots and cook them until they are translucent and lightly golden—about 3-5 minutes. Move them aside, then add the pressed garlic for just a few seconds until fragrant. You can almost smell the magic happening!

Cook Mushrooms: Now, stir in the sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook them until their liquid is released and they turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. It’s essential to stir occasionally so they don’t stick. They’ll add such an earthy flavor to your dish!

Add Flour and Liquids: Once the mushrooms are beautifully browned, sprinkle the flour all over them and stir to coat. Pour in the sherry as you stir vigorously, then gradually add the chicken or turkey stock while stirring continuously. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer—it should start to thicken!

Incorporate Cream and Season: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring gently to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to suit your taste. Allow this creamy mélange to heat for a few minutes until thickened, making sure to taste it—trust me, this step is crucial!

Mix in Turkey and Peas: When the sauce is nicely thickened, mix in the chopped turkey and peas. Stir until everything is well-combined and coated in that luscious sauce. You can practically taste it already!

Combine with Pasta: Spread the cooked pasta into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle in the grated Monterey Jack cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese, then pour in the turkey and sauce mixture. Using tongs or two large forks, mix everything together until well combined—yes, it will be a bit saucy, and that’s perfectly okay!

Create Topping: For the topping, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced parsley in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and mix until everything is evenly coated. This is what gives your casserole that irresistible crunch!

Bake to Perfection: Spread the Panko mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t over-brown!

Storing & Reheating

For any leftovers, allow your Turkey Tetrazzini to cool at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container, and it will last for about 3-4 days. If you’re looking to save it for later, freeze portions in freezer bags or airtight containers for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it in the oven at 350℉ for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through. The texture might shift a bit, but adding a splash of cream before reheating can renew its creaminess!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always taste your sauce as you go! Adjust seasonings to make it perfect for your palate.
If your sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add more stock or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
To avoid mushy pasta, remember to cook it al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor—experiment with thyme or rosemary in addition to the parsley.
Got extra vegetables? You can toss in some diced bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
Make this ahead! You can assemble it a day in advance and bake it right before serving for ultimate convenience.

What more could you want from a dish? Turkey Tetrazzini is a true crowd-pleaser that’s both hearty and comforting, making it perfect for any occasion! I invite you to try this recipe and bring warmth and joy to the table today.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other leftovers in this recipe?

Absolutely! While turkey is traditional, you can easily swap in leftover chicken or even veggies for a meatless adaptation. Just adjust your cooking time slightly if you’re using more delicate ingredients.

How do I prevent my Tetrazzini from becoming dry?

To keep your Turkey Tetrazzini moist, ensure you have enough sauce. If you find it too thick, add a little more stock or cream before baking. Additionally, don’t skip the crunchy topping; it helps lock in moisture!

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake it, simply extend the baking time by about 10-15 minutes, and it’ll be perfect!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream option and use vegan cheese alternatives. The recipe remains delicious and creamy!