Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Florentine Bake
Indulge in this comforting Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Florentine Bake, a delicious way to repurpose leftover turkey into a creamy, flavorful casserole that's perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish combines tender linguine, hearty turkey, and rich creamed spinach, all enveloped in a savory sauce and topped with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust. Not only is this casserole easy to prepare and bake, but it also exudes delightful aromas that will fill your kitchen and warm your heart. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh linguine
9 ounces (uncooked, cut into thirds)
cooked turkey
2 cups (cubed)
roasted turkey gravy
12 ounces (jarred)
creamed spinach
10 ounces (frozen, thawed)
mushroom stems and pieces
4 ounces (canned and drained)
milk
1/2 cup (none)
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Parmesan breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray an 8-inch square (2-quart) baking dish with nonstick spray.
2
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked linguine, cubed turkey, roasted turkey gravy, thawed creamed spinach, drained mushroom stems and pieces, milk, and melted butter. Stir gently until evenly mixed.
4
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure an even bake.
5
In a small mixing bowl, combine the Parmesan breadcrumbs with a little extra melted butter or olive oil for added flavor and to help it crisp up. Mix well.
6
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the turkey and pasta mixture.
7
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly.
8
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
9
Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Florentine Bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Florentine Bake?
It is a comforting casserole that repurposes leftover turkey with linguine, creamed spinach, and turkey gravy under a Parmesan breadcrumb crust.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish should I use?
An 8-inch square or 2-quart baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the linguine for the casserole?
Cook the linguine until al dente, drain it, and then cut the strands into thirds.
What kind of turkey is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cooked turkey that has been cubed.
Is the creamed spinach used fresh or frozen?
Use a 10-ounce package of frozen creamed spinach that has been thawed.
What type of gravy is used?
The recipe uses 12 ounces of jarred roasted turkey gravy.
Should I drain the mushrooms?
Yes, the 4-ounce can of mushroom stems and pieces should be drained before adding to the mixture.
What ingredients are in the topping?
The topping is made from Parmesan breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter or olive oil.
How long does the casserole bake in total?
The total bake time is 45 minutes: 35 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered.
Why do I need to cover the dish with foil initially?
Covering with foil ensures the casserole stays moist and heats through without burning the breadcrumb topping.
Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, cooked cubed chicken is an excellent substitute for turkey in this recipe.
How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Mix the breadcrumbs with extra melted butter or olive oil and ensure you bake it uncovered for the final 10 minutes.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly spray the dish with nonstick spray to prevent the pasta from sticking.
What liquid is added to the sauce mixture?
One-half cup of milk is added to help create the creamy sauce consistency.
Can I use fresh linguine or dried?
The recipe specifies 9 ounces of fresh linguine, but dried linguine can be used if cooked accordingly.
Is this a good recipe for Thanksgiving leftovers?
Yes, it is specifically designed to use leftover roasted turkey and turkey gravy.
What makes this dish 'Florentine'?
The inclusion of creamed spinach is what gives the dish its Florentine designation.
Should I let the bake rest after taking it out of the oven?
Yes, let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Can I use homemade gravy?
Yes, you can substitute the jarred gravy with 12 ounces of homemade roasted turkey gravy.
What is the purpose of cutting the linguine into thirds?
Cutting the long pasta makes it easier to mix into the casserole and simpler to serve and eat.
Can I add extra cheese to this recipe?
Yes, you can stir in extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese into the pasta mixture before baking for more richness.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This 2-quart casserole typically serves between 4 and 6 people.
Can I substitute the mushrooms?
If you don't like mushrooms, you can omit them or replace them with peas or sautéed onions.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, other long pastas like spaghetti or even short shapes like penne will work well.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before or after baking for up to 3 months.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is rated as an easy dinner option because it uses pre-cooked protein and simple mixing steps.
What should I serve as a side dish?
A crisp green salad or roasted carrots pair very well with this rich, creamy bake.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The dish is creamy and tender on the inside with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust on top.