There’s something magical about transforming leftover turkey into a creamy, comforting pasta bake. Turkey tetrazzini, a beloved American casserole, does just that – and oh, does it do it well! Named after Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini, this dish has been gracing dinner tables since the early 1900s. Today, we’re sharing our take on this classic recipe that serves 4-6 hungry souls.
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti, broken into 3-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups cooked turkey, diced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and mushrooms, cooking until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, milk, and cream. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine: Remove from heat and stir in turkey, 3/4 cup of Parmesan, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble: Gently fold in the cooked spaghetti. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.
- Top it Off: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with extra parsley and serve hot!
Turkey Tetrazzini Tips & Tricks
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Freezer Friendly: This dish freezes beautifully. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to swap turkey for chicken, or use a mix of both. You can also add different veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
- Crispy Top Secret: For an extra crispy topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking time. Keep a close eye to prevent burning!
There you have it, folks – a classic turkey tetrazzini that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s the perfect way to give leftover turkey a delicious second act, or simply a comforting meal to warm your soul on a chilly evening. Serve it with a crisp green salad on the side, and watch as your dinner table falls silent – save for the happy sounds of forks scraping plates clean!
So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and dig into this creamy, cheesy, perfectly satisfying dish. After all, nothing says “comfort food” quite like a steaming plate of homemade turkey tetrazzini. Enjoy!
