Description
This classic Turkey Tetrazzini is a comforting and creamy casserole that makes perfect use of leftover turkey. Featuring tender egg noodles, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich, velvety sauce made with milk, cream, chicken broth, and sherry, it’s topped with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection. A hearty meal that’s ideal for family dinners or holiday leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces egg noodles, spaghetti, linguini or other pasta
Mushrooms and Butter
- 12 ounces mushrooms, sliced (about 4 to 5 cups)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (or vermouth or dry white wine)
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups coarsely chopped cooked turkey
- 1 cup peas
- 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan, divided
- 1/3 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Seasonings and Topping
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Ground nutmeg (optional, to taste)
- 1/3 cup fine fresh bread crumbs (or panko)
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring 2 to 3 quarts of water to a boil, adding 1 teaspoon of salt per quart. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring, until their liquid evaporates, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large heavy saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Stir in the flour and cook while stirring constantly for 3 minutes to form a roux.
- Prepare the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, chicken broth, and sherry. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 to 8 minutes until thickened.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, creamy sauce, sautéed mushrooms, chopped turkey, and peas. Stir in 1/3 cup Parmesan and the Swiss cheese, followed by lemon juice. Season generously with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired. Transfer the mixture into a buttered 3-quart casserole dish.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan with the breadcrumbs. Evenly sprinkle over the casserole, then dot with 1 tablespoon butter cut into small bits.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole on the middle rack of a preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly, then garnish individual servings with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey in a delicious, comforting casserole.
- You can substitute other pasta types such as spaghetti or linguini if egg noodles aren’t available.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the sodium content of your broth.
- This dish freezes well; store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Optional nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the creamy sauce; adjust according to preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of the recipe)
- Calories: 559 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 737 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 164 mg