Turkey Tetrazzini

A traditional and cozy recipe that turns leftover turkey into a savory, creamy pasta casserole is called turkey tetrazzini. Enjoying leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or other holidays in a delightful and novel way is made possible by this dish.

Tasting Notes

Indulge in the rich and creamy texture of the pasta combined with the savory goodness of turkey, all complemented by a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of comfort food.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (about 226g) spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
4. Gradually add the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded turkey, frozen peas, and sliced mushrooms if using. Pour the Parmesan sauce over the mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
7. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and transfer the pasta mixture into the dish.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
10. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Pro Tips

• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the Parmesan sauce.
• Feel free to use a combination of different cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.

Variations

• Substitute cooked chicken for turkey.
• Experiment with different types of pasta, such as penne or rotini.
• Add sautéed onions or garlic for an aromatic twist.

FAQs