As you step into your cozy kitchen, imagine the inviting aroma of creamy goodness simmering away. The warm scent of sautéed mushrooms blended with rich butter and garlic dances through the air, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that feels like a warm embrace. This Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is not just another casserole; it’s a dish that wraps you in comfort, perfect for a chilly evening or a festive gathering. I remember the first time I made this after Thanksgiving, standing in my kitchen filled with laughter as I stirred up a cauldron of leftovers transformed into something utterly delightful and satisfying.

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

Why reserve leftover turkey for just sandwiches? This creamy delight takes things to another level. With bright green peas, tender noodles, and a crunchy panko topping, it manages to be both indulgent and heartwarming. Are you ready to bring this crowd-pleaser to life? Let’s dive into making the best Turkey Tetrazzini that will fill your home with love and deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip this up in just an hour, making it great for busy evenings or last-minute gatherings.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and two kinds of cheese creates a deeply satisfying dish.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With a golden, crispy topping and creamy interior, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a potluck; this dish is a hit any time of the year.
Diet-Friendly Options: Swap out the pasta for gluten-free noodles or pack it with veggies for a lighter twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Unsalted butter: Essential for creating a rich, creamy base. You can use salted butter but adjust salt levels accordingly.

Avocado or olive oil: Adds a subtle flavor and helps cook your veggies without burning them. Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, making it great for sautéing.

Shallots: Milder than onions, they provide a sweet flavor that enhances the dish. If you don’t have shallots, you can use onions.

Cremini mushrooms: Their earthy flavor complements the turkey and sauce beautifully. Button mushrooms can also work in a pinch.

Garlic cloves: Necessary for depth and aroma; fresh garlic really elevates this dish!

All-purpose flour: This thickens the sauce and gives it that luscious creaminess. For gluten-free options, consider using a flour blend.

Sherry: Adds a slightly nutty, complex flavor. If you don’t keep sherry on hand, dry white wine can be a substitute.

Chicken or turkey stock: Essential for the sauce; stock made from leftover turkey adds even more flavor.

Heavy whipping cream: This provides richness to your sauce, making it luxuriously smooth. For a lighter option, half and half can work.

Cooked leftover turkey meat: This is the star of the show! Any leftover turkey will work, or you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken.

Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey texture. Cheddar is a nice alternative if you’re craving a sharper flavor.

Parmesan cheese: This adds a salty notes; use freshly grated for the best flavor.

Cooked pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or rotini): Choose your favorite; al dente pasta ensures it holds its shape in the casserole.

Peas: These little gems add a pop of color and sweetness. Frozen peas can save time.

Panko bread crumbs: Create a wonderfully crispy topping. You can use regular bread crumbs, but Panko gives better texture.

Additional grated parmesan and melted butter: These tie the topping together for a golden finish, adding richness and crunch.

Minced parsley: A splash of freshness and color right before serving.

How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ and greasing a 9×13 deep casserole baking dish with a touch of oil or butter to prevent sticking. This is where all the magic will come together! Meanwhile, start gathering your ingredients for a smooth cooking experience.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook your pasta in salted water until it’s al dente, usually about 8 minutes; it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set it aside, making sure to keep it warm, so it doesn’t stick together.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and add the avocado or olive oil. Once caressed by heat, toss in the sliced shallots, stirring occasionally until they become golden and tender. After a few minutes, bring in the garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell divine!

Add the Mushrooms: Now, let’s invite the mushrooms into the party! Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet, stirring them every couple of minutes to ensure they get a chance to brown and soften, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be golden and reduced in size, intensifying their flavor.

Sprinkle Flour: Dust the cooked mushrooms evenly with flour, stirring it in to coat all the pieces. This step is vital for creating that luscious sauce later—it thickens beautifully. Let this cook for a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.

Pour in the Liquid: Slowly stir in the sherry, allowing it to mix seamlessly with the mushroom mixture. Then gently add the chicken or turkey stock, continuing to blend everything. Increase the heat slightly until the mixture boils softly, then reduce to medium-low.

Make it Creamy: Pour in the heavy whipping cream while stirring slowly to maintain a nice emulsification. Season with salt and pepper, then let it bubble gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s thick enough to coat the back of your spoon; give it a taste to adjust the seasoning!

Combine Turkey and Peas: Toss the cooked turkey meat and frozen peas into the creamy sauce, mixing everything nicely. The peas will warm up quickly, and the turkey will soak up all those marvelous flavors, making it irresistibly tasty!

Mix with Pasta: Spread your cooked pasta in the prepared casserole dish, then sprinkle it generously with both grated Monterey Jack and parmesan cheeses. Pour that silky turkey and sauce mixture over the pasta and use tongs or two large forks to gently combine it all. Expect some sauciness—it’s a good thing!

Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, stir together Panko bread crumbs, additional grated parmesan, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. This crunchy topping will create a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.

Bake Until Golden: Sprinkle the Panko mixture uniformly over the casserole, and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is a glorious golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Serve right away, and watch it disappear in a matter of moments!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftover Turkey Tetrazzini, allow it to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in an airtight dish for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350℉ oven for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Be aware that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but a splash of cream can help refresh the creamy sauce.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pasta—al dente is the way to go since it will continue cooking in the oven.
Ensure your cooked turkey is chopped into manageable chunks, allowing it to blend well with the sauce and pasta.
If you’re looking for even more creaminess, feel free to sprinkle in a bit more heavy cream before baking for an extra indulgence.
Make ahead for easy dinners! Assemble the casserole a day in advance, keep it covered, and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Consider adding other veggies like carrots, spinach, or bell peppers to sneak in some extra nutrition and color!

There you have it—the turkeys may fly away in gratitude as this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe brings joy to your kitchen and dining table. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about a dish that transforms leftovers into a culinary delight. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe! With love and creativity, you have the power to make it truly your own.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?

Absolutely! You can use roasted or cooked turkey. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and diced before adding it into the sauce. Fresh turkey may add a slightly different flavor, but it will still create a delicious dish!

What type of pasta is best for Tetrazzini?

While traditional recipes often use spaghetti, feel free to use any pasta shape you love, such as fettuccine, rotini, or even gluten-free alternatives. Just be mindful of cooking times based on the pasta type.

Can I make Turkey Tetrazzini without dairy?

Yes! For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut milk blend and use dairy-free cheese substitutes. Just note that this may change the flavor profile slightly, but it will still be delicious!

What can I serve with Turkey Tetrazzini?

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you might want to serve it with a light salad or some crusty bread for a balanced meal. Fresh herbs or a sprinkle of lemon juice can brighten the flavor beautifully!