Turkey tetrazzini is a comforting and creamy pasta bake that's perfect for using up leftover turkey. This dish combines tender turkey, spaghetti, and a rich sauce made with heavy cream and parmesan cheese. It's a family favorite that's sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. Heavy cream is essential for creating the rich sauce, and parmesan cheese adds a savory depth. If you don't usually keep frozen peas or mushrooms on hand, be sure to pick them up at the supermarket.
Ingredients For Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Spaghetti: A type of pasta that serves as the base for this dish.
Turkey: Shredded cooked turkey, perfect for using leftovers.
Mushrooms: Adds an earthy flavor and texture to the dish.
Frozen peas: Provides a pop of color and sweetness.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, umami flavor.
Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base.
Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
Butter: Used for sautéing and adding richness.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When cooking the spaghetti, make sure to undercook it slightly by about a minute less than the package instructions. This way, the pasta will finish cooking in the oven and absorb more of the sauce, resulting in a more flavorful Turkey Tetrazzini.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
spaghetti - Substitute with fettuccine: Fettuccine has a similar texture and will hold the sauce well.
shredded cooked turkey - Substitute with shredded cooked chicken: Chicken has a similar texture and flavor profile.
sliced mushrooms - Substitute with sliced zucchini: Zucchini provides a similar texture and absorbs flavors well.
thawed frozen peas - Substitute with canned peas: Canned peas are readily available and have a similar taste and texture.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar depth of flavor and is suitable for vegetarians.
heavy cream - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half is lighter but still provides a creamy texture.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor.
chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a similar flavor and is convenient to use.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar richness and is a healthier fat option.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a similar salty flavor with an additional umami boost.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the Turkey Tetrazzini to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the cooled Turkey Tetrazzini to an airtight container. If you don't have one large enough, you can use multiple smaller containers.
- For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The Turkey Tetrazzini will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- For long-term storage, wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- When ready to reheat, if refrigerated, transfer the Turkey Tetrazzini to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- If frozen, thaw the Turkey Tetrazzini in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as above.
- For a quicker reheating option, you can use the microwave. Place a portion of the Turkey Tetrazzini in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- To maintain the creamy texture of the sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth before reheating.
- Avoid reheating the Turkey Tetrazzini multiple times, as this can affect the texture and flavor of the dish. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover Turkey Tetrazzini to an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until it's heated through and the cheese on top is bubbly. If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Stovetop Method: Place the Turkey Tetrazzini in a large skillet or saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to help rehydrate the pasta. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through. This method helps maintain the creamy texture of the dish.
Microwave Method: Transfer a portion of the Turkey Tetrazzini to a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until it's hot. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the pasta rubbery.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the Turkey Tetrazzini in an air fryer-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through. This method gives a nice crispy top while keeping the inside moist.
Double Boiler Method: If you have a double boiler, this is a gentle way to reheat without drying out. Place the Turkey Tetrazzini in the top part of the double boiler. Heat over simmering water, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through. This method is excellent for maintaining the creamy consistency of the sauce.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: Used to cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
Skillet: Used to melt the butter, cook the onions, garlic, and mushrooms, and prepare the sauce.
Baking dish: Used to transfer the spaghetti and sauce mixture before baking.
Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) to bake the Turkey Tetrazzini until golden and bubbly.
Colander: Used to drain the cooked spaghetti.
Wooden spoon: Used to stir the ingredients in the skillet and combine the spaghetti with the sauce.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese.
Knife: Used to chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese if not pre-grated.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture before transferring to the baking dish.
Oven mitts: Used to safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Use pre-cooked turkey: Save time by using pre-cooked turkey from the deli or leftovers.
Pre-sliced mushrooms: Opt for pre-sliced mushrooms to skip the slicing step.
Frozen peas: Use frozen peas directly without thawing; they will cook in the sauce.
Pre-chopped onions: Buy pre-chopped onions to reduce prep time.
One-pot cooking: Cook the spaghetti in the same pot as the sauce to minimize cleanup.
Quick simmer: Simmer the sauce just until it thickens slightly to save time.
Pre-grated cheese: Use pre-grated parmesan cheese to avoid grating it yourself.
Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Spaghetti cooked and drained
- 2 cups Cooked turkey shredded
- 1 cup Mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup Frozen peas thawed
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the shredded turkey, thawed peas, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutritional Value
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