Delicious Easy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe | Easy 1

Transform leftover turkey into a creamy, comforting pasta bake with this Easy Turkey Tetrazzini recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Introduction

Are you wondering what to do with that leftover turkey? Or perhaps you’re simply craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish that comes together without much fuss? Look no further than this Easy Turkey Tetrazzini recipe from www.dailymeatrecipe.com! This classic American dish transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Easy Turkey Tetrazzini combines tender chunks of turkey meat with mushrooms, pasta, and a rich cream sauce, all topped with a golden, cheesy crust. Despite its impressive appearance and restaurant-quality taste, this turkey recipe is remarkably simple to prepare. The beauty of this Easy Turkey Tetrazzini lies in its versatility – it’s an excellent way to repurpose holiday leftovers, but equally delicious when made with freshly cooked turkey or even store-bought rotisserie chicken in a pinch.

At www.dailymeatrecipe.com, we understand that finding recipes that are both delicious and practical is essential for home cooks. That’s why this Easy Turkey Tetrazzini recipe has become one of our most popular offerings. The combination of creamy sauce, tender turkey meat, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a comforting dish that appeals to even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive into this simple yet impressive recipe that will have your family requesting Easy Turkey Tetrazzini again and again!

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Spaghetti pasta	8 oz (225g)	Break into thirds before cooking
Cooked turkey meat	3 cups (about 450g)	Shredded or cubed
Unsalted butter	4 tablespoons (56g)	Divided
Mushrooms	8 oz (225g)	Sliced (cremini or white button)
Onion	1 medium	Finely diced
Garlic	3 cloves	Minced
All-purpose flour	3 tablespoons	For the sauce
Chicken broth	1½ cups (355ml)	Low-sodium preferred
Milk	1 cup (240ml)	Whole milk for richness
Heavy cream	½ cup (120ml)
Dry white wine	¼ cup (60ml)	Optional, can substitute broth
Parmesan cheese	½ cup (50g)	Freshly grated
Frozen peas	1 cup (150g)	Thawed
Salt	¾ teaspoon	Or to taste
Black pepper	½ teaspoon	Freshly ground
Dried thyme	½ teaspoon
Shredded mozzarella	1 cup (113g)	For topping
Breadcrumbs	½ cup (60g)	Panko preferred
Fresh parsley	2 tablespoons	Chopped, for garnish

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	412
Protein	28g
Carbs	35g
Fiber	2g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	585mg
Sugar	4g
Calcium	20% DV
Iron	15% DV
Vitamin A	12% DV
Vitamin C	8% DV

Nutrition values based on 1/6 of recipe. DV = Daily Value

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, but undercook it by 1-2 minutes (it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta cooks, shred or cube your cooked turkey meat into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a separate bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux (this is the base for your sauce).
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk and cream, ensuring there are no lumps.
4. If using, add the white wine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

1. Return the mushroom mixture to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Add the cooked turkey meat and thawed peas, stirring gently to combine.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
4. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake

1. Sprinkle the top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
2. Scatter the breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
3. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
4. For extra browning, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving your Easy Turkey Tetrazzini.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Turkey Tetrazzini recipe creates a complete meal on its own, but here are some delicious ways to round out your dinner:

1. Fresh Side Salad: Serve your Easy Turkey Tetrazzini with a crisp garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta dish.
2. Garlic Bread: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce from this comforting turkey recipe.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make an excellent nutritional complement to this hearty meal.
4. Wine Pairing: This creamy turkey dish pairs beautifully with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio if you’re serving it for a special dinner.
5. Family Style: For casual gatherings, place the baking dish of Easy Turkey Tetrazzini in the center of the table with a large serving spoon and let everyone help themselves to this crowd-pleasing recipe.
6. Portioned Servings: For more formal occasions, portion the tetrazzini into individual gratin dishes before baking for an elegant presentation.

Pro Tips

Follow these expert tips to ensure your Easy Turkey Tetrazzini turns out perfectly every time:

1. Pasta Perfection: Always undercook your pasta slightly when boiling, as it will continue to cook and absorb moisture during baking. This prevents mushy pasta in your final turkey recipe.
2. Turkey Preparation: For the juiciest results in this meat recipe, use a mix of dark and white turkey meat. The dark meat adds flavor while the white meat provides texture.
3. Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer before adding the pasta and turkey meat.
4. Make-Ahead Option: This Easy Turkey Tetrazzini can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
5. Freezer-Friendly: Prepare the recipe up to the point of baking, then cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
6. Breadcrumb Enhancement: For an extra-crunchy topping, toss the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling on top of your turkey tetrazzini.
7. Flavor Boost: For additional depth of flavor, add ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the sauce or a splash of sherry instead of white wine.

Variations

Customize this Easy Turkey Tetrazzini recipe to suit your preferences and pantry:

1. Protein Substitutes: No turkey? No problem! This versatile recipe works beautifully with chicken, ham, or even cooked shrimp as alternative meat options.
2. Pasta Options: While traditional tetrazzini uses spaghetti, feel free to substitute fettuccine, linguine, or even penne – any pasta that holds sauce well makes a great variation.
3. Vegetable Add-ins: Enhance the nutritional value of your Easy Turkey Tetrazzini by adding spinach, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to the mix.
4. Gluten-Free Alternative: Make this recipe gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta and replacing the flour with cornstarch (mix 2 tablespoons with cold water before adding to create a slurry).
5. Dairy-Free Version: Substitute dairy-free butter, unsweetened almond milk, and coconut cream for the dairy products. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar flavor profile.
6. Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to give your Easy Turkey Tetrazzini a subtle heat.
7. Herbaceous Twist: Fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary can replace the dried herbs for a more aromatic flavor profile in this turkey meat recipe.

FAQ

Q: Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey for this Easy Turkey Tetrazzini? A: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for repurposing holiday leftovers. Both white and dark meat work well in this recipe.

Q: How do I store leftovers of this turkey recipe? A: Cover and refrigerate leftover Easy Turkey Tetrazzini for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger amounts covered in a 325°F oven until heated through.

Q: Can I freeze Easy Turkey Tetrazzini? A: Yes! You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. If freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely first. It will keep for up to 3 months.

Q: I don’t have heavy cream. What can I substitute? A: You can use all milk instead, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Alternatively, try half-and-half or even cream cheese (4 oz/113g) for a different but equally delicious creamy texture.

Q: Can I make Easy Turkey Tetrazzini in advance for a dinner party? A: Definitely! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat this dish? A: For best results, reheat covered in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry.

Q: Can I omit the wine in this recipe? A: Yes, simply replace the wine with an equal amount of additional chicken broth.

Conclusion

This Easy Turkey Tetrazzini recipe from www.dailymeatrecipe.com proves that comfort food can be both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re repurposing leftover holiday turkey or creating a special weeknight dinner, this creamy, cheesy pasta bake delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

What makes this turkey meat recipe truly special is its perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender meat, and al dente pasta, all crowned with a golden cheesy crust. The Easy Turkey Tetrazzini is one of those versatile recipes that can be adapted to what you have on hand while still maintaining its comforting essence.

We encourage you to try this Easy Turkey Tetrazzini recipe and make it your own. Did you add different vegetables? Try a new cheese combination? We’d love to hear about your experience and variations in the comments section at www.dailymeatrecipe.com. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks discover new twists on classic recipes!

Don’t forget to bookmark www.dailymeatrecipe.com for more delicious meat-based recipes that take the guesswork out of dinner. From quick weeknight meals to impressive holiday main courses, we have recipes for every occasion. Share your favorite Easy Turkey Tetrazzini photos on social media and tag us to be featured on our site!

Happy cooking, and enjoy your deliciously Easy Turkey Tetrazzini!