Ultimate Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole
This Ultimate Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole transforms leftover turkey or chicken into a comforting, rich, and savory dish that the whole family will adore. The creamy sauce combines sautéed vegetables, tender pasta, and shredded turkey, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust for delightful texture. Whether you're serving up a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this one-dish wonder is sure to impress. With its origins in a beloved Cooking Light recipe, this version is tailored to enhance flavors and add extra creaminess, making it a family favorite you'll keep coming back to.
6
Servings
503
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Celery
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
Ground Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Frozen Peas
3/4 cup (thawed)
Carrots
3/4 cup (matchstick or finely chopped)
Sliced Mushrooms
8 ounces (optional)
White Wine or Sherry
1/2 cup (for deglazing)
Flour
1/2 cup (all-purpose)
Chicken or Turkey Broth
4 cups (low-sodium preferred)
Parmesan Cheese
1 cup (divided, freshly grated)
Light Cream Cheese (Neufchatel)
4 ounces (softened)
Thin Spaghetti
8 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
Cooked Turkey or Chicken
2 cups (shredded)
Breadcrumbs (Panko)
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, ground pepper, salt, carrots, and optional mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
3
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4
Pour in the white wine (or sherry), stirring quickly to deglaze the pan and absorb the flour. Continue stirring for a minute until the mixture thickens slightly.
5
Gradually add the chicken or turkey broth to the pan while stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
6
Remove the pan from heat and add 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese along with the softened cream cheese. Stir until the cheeses melt and combine smoothly.
7
Fold in the thawed peas, shredded turkey, and cooked spaghetti, ensuring everything is well mixed.
8
Spray a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and transfer the creamy turkey mixture into it, spreading evenly.
9
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the top of the casserole.
10
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and bubbly.
11
Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
56g
Carbs
22g
Protein
2.7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole?
It is a rich and savory one-dish meal that transforms leftover turkey or chicken into a comforting pasta dish with a creamy sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, you can easily substitute 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken for the turkey.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 503 calories per serving.
What type of pasta should be used?
Thin spaghetti is recommended, cooked according to package directions before being added to the casserole.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and bubbly.
Do I need to let the casserole rest after baking?
Yes, allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Can I substitute the white wine?
Yes, you can use sherry for deglazing or substitute with additional broth if you prefer not to use alcohol.
What kind of breadcrumbs are best for the topping?
Panko breadcrumbs are suggested for the best crispy texture.
Is this recipe a good use for holiday leftovers?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed to use up leftover turkey from holiday meals.
How much turkey is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded, cooked turkey.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The casserole includes onion, celery, carrots, peas, and optional mushrooms.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 22 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18 grams of fat per serving.
Can I use regular cream cheese?
Yes, while the recipe specifies light cream cheese (Neufchatel), regular cream cheese will also work.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
There are 56 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
A total of 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is used, divided between the sauce and the topping.
Do I need to thaw the peas?
Yes, the 3/4 cup of frozen peas should be thawed before folding them into the mixture.
What type of broth should I use?
Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth is preferred for this recipe.
How much flour is needed for the sauce?
Use 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour to help thicken the sauce.
Are mushrooms mandatory?
No, the 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms are optional.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be finely chopped or prepared as matchsticks.
Is there fiber in this casserole?
Yes, each serving provides approximately 2.7 grams of fiber.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
Spray the casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray before transferring the mixture.
How long do I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, celery, and carrots in butter for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While thin spaghetti is traditional for tetrazzini, other small pasta shapes could work if necessary.
What is the purpose of the flour?
The flour is sprinkled over the sautéed vegetables to create a roux that thickens the broth into a creamy sauce.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food due to its rich, creamy texture and hearty ingredients.