Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic, Reimagined
This Thanksgiving, ditch the usual turkey leftovers and elevate your culinary game with a delectable Turkey Tetrazzini. This creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering. We'll break down this recipe step-by-step, ensuring a perfectly baked, flavorful dish every time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this updated classic!
What is Turkey Tetrazzini?
Turkey Tetrazzini is a baked pasta dish featuring cooked turkey, creamy sauce, mushrooms, and cheese, typically baked with a breadcrumb topping. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for using up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any other festive roast. This recipe focuses on creating a rich and flavorful dish, using fresh ingredients and techniques to enhance the overall taste and texture.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe calls for readily available ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight or weekend meal.
- Cooked Turkey: Approximately 3 cups of cooked, shredded turkey breast. Leftover roast turkey works perfectly!
- Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta—fettuccine, linguine, or even rotini work well.
- Mushrooms: 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini or button mushrooms are ideal). Sautéing these beforehand adds a depth of flavor.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic always elevates the taste.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Flour: 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This is the base of our creamy sauce.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. This provides the liquid for the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream. This adds richness and creaminess to the dish.
- Cheese: 1 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. You can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a sharp, salty note.
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs. Panko adds a wonderfully crispy topping.
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other herbs and spices.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook until tender, about 3-5 more minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked turkey and pasta to the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Top with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Finish: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Tips for the Perfect Turkey Tetrazzini:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is crucial for the best texture in the finished dish.
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your Tetrazzini.
- Don't skimp on the cheese: The cheese adds richness and flavor; use good quality cheese for the best results.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your liking.
- Let it rest: Allow the Tetrazzini to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Turkey Tetrazzini hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
This recipe offers a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy your leftover turkey. Try it out and let us know what you think in the comments below! Happy cooking!
