Classic Turkey Tetrazzini: A Comforting Casserole for Leftovers
This creamy, savory bake brings cozy comfort to holiday leftovers.
Classic Turkey Tetrazzini: An Hearty Crowd-Pleaser
When Thanksgiving leftovers beckon, few dishes promise as much cozy comfort as Turkey Tetrazzini. With a creamy, flavorful sauce, tender pasta, mushrooms, and bursts of cheese, this casserole is a tried-and-true way to bring new life to your leftover turkey. Below you’ll find a detailed walkthrough, tips for success, make-ahead instructions, serving suggestions, and helpful answers to common questions.
Why Turkey Tetrazzini?
- Perfect for leftovers: Uses shredded or diced turkey from Thanksgiving or any roasted bird.
- Simple steps: Straightforward process makes it easy for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile: Adaptable with ingredients on hand and substitutions for dietary needs.
- Crowd-pleasing: Generous yield—feeds a hungry family or makes memorable potluck fare.
Ingredients Needed
This dish shines with everyday ingredients. Make sure everything is prepped before you begin cooking for the smoothest experience.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thin spaghetti | 1 1/2 lb. | Broken in half |
| Butter | 4 Tbsp. | For sauteing |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Minced |
| White mushrooms | 1 lb. | Quartered |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp.+ to taste | |
| White wine | 1 cup | Optional; adds depth |
| Flour | 1/3 cup | Thickens sauce |
| Turkey (or chicken) broth | 4 cups | Plus more as needed |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz. package | For richness |
| Cooked turkey | 3 cups | Shredded or diced |
| Black olives | 1 cup | Finely chopped; optional |
| Frozen green peas | 1 1/2 cups | Adds color & sweetness |
| Bacon | 4 slices | Fried and cut into bits |
| Monterey Jack cheese | 1 cup | Grated |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup | Grated |
| Black pepper | To taste | |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup | For topping |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook the pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain, rinse, and set aside. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so avoid overcooking during boiling.
- Start the sauce: In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add mushrooms and season: Toss in quartered mushrooms and salt. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until the mushrooms begin to brown.
- Deglaze with wine: Pour in white wine, then simmer until it reduces by half (3-4 minutes). This step deepens the flavor and infuses mushrooms with richness.
- Thicken the sauce: Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir, cooking for 1 minute. Pour in turkey broth gradually, stirring constantly. Allow to simmer until the mixture thickens and forms a smooth, creamy base (3-4 minutes).
- Incorporate cream cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low. Cube the cream cheese and add to pot, stirring until melted and incorporated. If the mixture is lumpy at first, keep stirring; it will smooth out.
- Build the casserole mixture: Add cooked turkey, black olives, frozen peas, bacon pieces, Monterey Jack cheese, Parmesan, and several grinds of black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all ingredients.
- Combine with pasta: Add cooked spaghetti and fold until pasta is evenly coated with sauce and mix-ins. Assess consistency: If too thick, splash in extra broth to loosen.
- Prepare to bake: Transfer mixture to a large, greased casserole dish (13×9-inch pan works best). Smooth the surface for even baking.
- Add topping: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly across the casserole. They’ll crisp and brown in the oven, adding a pleasant crunch.
- Bake: Place in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, until panko is golden and sauce bubbly at the edges.
- Serve: Allow casserole to sit for a few minutes to firm up, then scoop generous portions for your diners.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Tetrazzini
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente is best; it will soften further in the oven.
- Add extra broth as needed: If mixture seems dry, stir in a bit more before baking.
- Mix gently: Fold pasta in with a spatula to avoid breaking it down into mush.
- Reserve panko topping for the end: Don’t add breadcrumbs until just before baking to keep them crunchy.
- Customizable: Swap in cooked chicken, substitute elbow macaroni for spaghetti, or omit olives if desired.
Make-Ahead & Storage Advice
For easy weeknight prep or holiday planning, Turkey Tetrazzini is make-ahead friendly:
- Make the casserole up to 2 days ahead: Prepare as instructed but do not add panko topping. Cover tightly and refrigerate.
- Add breadcrumbs and bake just before serving: This ensures the topping stays crisp.
- Bake time may increase: If baking straight from the fridge, increase oven time by 5–10 minutes. Allow dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking to prevent a cold center.
- Store leftovers: After baking, store cooled casserole in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Serving Suggestions
Turkey Tetrazzini earns its place as true comfort food—rich, creamy, and substantial. Pair it with sides that balance its heartiness or use up other leftovers:
- Crisp, fresh salad: A simple autumn greens salad with vinaigrette provides contrast and freshness.
- Roasted vegetables: Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans complement the flavors.
- Leftover Thanksgiving sides: Cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, or rolls work well on the plate.
- For dessert: Pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or pecan bars round out a celebratory meal.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
This flexible recipe welcomes personal touches and substitutions:
- Protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken in place of turkey.
- Wine-free option: Replace wine with extra broth or a dash of lemon juice for acidity.
- Pasta: Swap thin spaghetti for cooked elbow macaroni, fettuccine, or penne.
- No cream cheese: Use mascarpone, sour cream, or a combination of heavy cream and grated cheese.
- No olives: Omit or substitute with capers or sun-dried tomatoes.
- For vegetarians: Substitute turkey with sautéed cauliflower, cooked lentils, or more mushrooms.
What others are reading
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 |
| Protein | 31g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Nutrition numbers will vary with ingredient choices and serving sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do you serve with Turkey Tetrazzini?
Fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or any leftover Thanksgiving sides. For dessert, pumpkin pie is always a hit.
Tetrazzini is rich, so anything bright and crunchy pairs well.
Can Turkey Tetrazzini be made ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the casserole (without panko topping) up to two days ahead, cover well, refrigerate, and add the topping just before baking. Bring to room temperature before baking and expect a slightly longer cook time from chilled.
How do I avoid a dry casserole?
Ensure the mixture is saucy before baking. If in doubt, add a splash of broth. Cover with foil for part of baking if worried, then uncover to crisp the top.
Can I freeze Turkey Tetrazzini?
Absolutely. Assemble (without panko) and freeze in a freezer-safe dish. Thaw overnight, top with panko, and bake as directed.
What other cheeses can I use?
Fontina, Gruyère, Swiss, or regular cheddar add delicious variations. Use what you have on hand for flavor variety.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free pasta, substitute a gluten-free flour blend in the sauce, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for topping.
Best Practices for Success
- Prep all ingredients ahead: Chop, measure, and organize before starting for efficiency.
- Use quality cheeses: Grate cheese yourself for best melt and texture.
- Balance flavors: Taste as you go—adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to preference.
- Don’t skip the panko: This crunchy layer contrasts the rich filling and makes the dish special.
Origin & History
Tetrazzini is believed to have been named after Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini in the early 20th century, combining Italian-influenced flavors with classic American comfort food sensibilities. While the most common protein today is turkey (especially post-Thanksgiving), chicken and seafood versions appear on menus nationwide.
Conclusion: Make Turkey Tetrazzini a Tradition
More than just a clever way to repurpose leftovers, Turkey Tetrazzini is a casserole overflowing with nostalgic flavors, creamy textures, and plenty of satisfying crunch. It’s endlessly adaptable—whether you stick to tradition or introduce personal flavors. With easy prep and reliable results, it’s the ideal comfort food after the holidays or any time you crave cozy goodness.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgJ5WDzp9aM
- https://www.food.com/recipe/turkey-tetrazzini-can-use-chicken-too-pioneer-woman-ree-drummo-510232
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11691/turkey-tetrazzini/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a63496698/chicken-tetrazzini-recipe/
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