Ultimate Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini: A Creamy, Cheesy, & Comforting Casserole Recipe
As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves with an abundance of delicious leftovers, especially after a grand Thanksgiving feast. While a cold turkey sandwich is a classic, why not transform that leftover turkey into something truly extraordinary? This Turkey Tetrazzini recipe is a spectacular way to give your holiday leftovers a second life, creating a dish that’s incredibly creamy, delightfully cheesy, wonderfully hearty, and oh-so-comforting.
Forget the mundane post-holiday meals! This turkey tetrazzini casserole takes mere minutes to prepare with your pre-cooked turkey, bubbling away in the oven until golden brown and utterly irresistible. It’s a family favorite that consistently earns rave reviews from my kids and husband alike, making it a staple on our menu during the colder months, especially after a big holiday meal. Get ready to turn those leftovers into a meal that feels brand new and utterly luxurious!
The Art of Repurposing: Elevating Your Leftover Turkey
One of the true joys of holiday cooking isn’t just the main event, but the creative possibilities that leftovers unlock. While planning for a festive gathering like Thanksgiving, I often find myself intentionally cooking an extra-large turkey just to ensure there’s enough for delicious dishes like this tetrazzini. It’s not just about reducing food waste; it’s about extending the holiday cheer and flavors into the following days.
Turkey Tetrazzini stands out as a prime example of a leftover masterpiece. It’s a complete meal in one dish, combining tender turkey, savory mushrooms, and pasta in a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust. It’s the kind of hearty comfort food that makes those chilly post-holiday evenings feel warm and cozy. If you’re looking for other fantastic ways to use up your holiday bird, consider these equally delightful options: a refreshing Turkey Cobb Salad, savory Green Chile Turkey Quesadillas, or perhaps this intriguing Turkey and Spinach Stuffing Casserole.
Hosting Thanksgiving and Beyond: Planning for Culinary Success
Hosting Thanksgiving can be a grand undertaking, and having a game plan is essential for a smooth and enjoyable day. If you’re hosting this year, I highly recommend checking out my comprehensive Thanksgiving Menu for Beginners. It’s packed with tips and information to help you manage the cooking, timing, and everything in between, ensuring dinner gets to the table at a decent hour. From appetizer strategies to dessert prep, thoughtful planning makes all the difference in creating a memorable feast without the stress.
And once the big day is over, the planning doesn’t have to stop. Post-Thanksgiving often means a different kind of hustle – perhaps holiday shopping or simply recovering from all the cooking! That’s where easy, delicious leftover recipes like this Turkey Tetrazzini come into play. They provide a much-needed break from intensive cooking, allowing you to enjoy the festive season without constantly being tied to the kitchen. Having a roster of go-to recipes for utilizing leftovers means you can savor the flavors of the season for days to come, minimizing waste and maximizing deliciousness.
Everything You Need to Know About This Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
This Turkey Tetrazzini recipe is designed for both flavor and convenience. Here are some detailed insights and tips to ensure your casserole is a resounding success:
Versatility: Turkey, Chicken, or Both!
- While “Turkey Tetrazzini” suggests turkey, this recipe is incredibly flexible. If you don’t have leftover turkey, shredded cooked chicken works just as wonderfully. A rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut, providing tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. Simply shred the meat and you’re good to go! This flexibility makes it a perfect year-round comfort food, not just a post-holiday special.
- Feel free to combine turkey and chicken if you have a mix of leftovers. The flavors blend beautifully in the creamy sauce.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare Now, Bake Later
- One of the best features of this tetrazzini is its make-ahead potential. You can assemble the entire dish (minus the breadcrumb topping) in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
- When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Uncover, add the breadcrumb topping, and bake as directed. This preparation method is ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting and want to minimize last-minute cooking.
Freezer-Friendly Option: Stock Your Freezer for Future Meals
- This Turkey Tetrazzini is also an excellent candidate for freezing. Prepare and assemble the dish as directed, again, without the breadcrumb topping.
- To freeze, cover the casserole dish exceptionally well with several layers of plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole completely in the refrigerator (this might take 24-48 hours depending on size). Once thawed, add the breadcrumb topping and bake as directed. This is a fantastic way to ensure you always have a comforting meal on hand for unexpected guests or those evenings when cooking from scratch just isn’t an option.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Tetrazzini
- Turkey Tetrazzini is a rich and fulfilling dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides that offer a contrast in texture and freshness.
- A light, crisp side salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy pasta.
- Your favorite steamed green vegetable, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, adds a vibrant color and essential nutrients. For something extra special, consider these flavorful Skillet Garlic Green Beans.
- For an even more indulgent meal, these savory Garlic Cheddar Biscuits are an absolute dream alongside the tetrazzini, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
Recipe: Ultimate Turkey Tetrazzini
Turkey Tetrazzini
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (227g) linguine or spaghetti, cooked
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 (8 oz) (226g) pkg baby portobello mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup (45g) all purpose flour
- 2 cups (450ml) milk or half and half
- 1 1/2 cups (350ml) chicken broth or stock
- 3/4 cup (180ml) white wine
- 2 cups (190g) shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups (420g) shredded cooked turkey or chicken
BREADCRUMB TOPPING:
- 1/3 cup (23g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup (55g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
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Start cooking your pasta. Make breadcrumb topping and set aside.
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
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In a large oven-going skillet melt the butter over medium to medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook stirring occasionally until lightly browned. Add the onion and cook until tender. Add garlic and stirring for 1 minute.
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Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk, broth, wine, salt, and pepper until smooth. Cook until thickened (about 3 minutes). Whisk in the cheeses until melted. Remove from heat and stir in the turkey and drained pasta. Top with reserved breadcrumb topping. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.
Notes
- Make ahead: Prepare and assemble dish as directed without the breadcrumb topping. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Top with breadcrumb topping and bake as directed.
- Freezer option: Prepare and assemble dish as directed without the breadcrumb topping. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and/or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before baking. Top with breadcrumb topping before baking and bake as directed.
- Serving options: serve this with a simple side salad, favorite steamed green vegetable or these Skillet Garlic Green Beans. These Garlic Cheddar Biscuits also pair well.
Tips for a Flawless Tetrazzini
- Perfect Pasta: Don’t overcook your pasta! Since it will bake in the casserole, cook it al dente (slightly firm) to prevent it from becoming mushy in the final dish. Linguine or spaghetti are traditional choices, but fettuccine or even egg noodles can also work.
- Rich Sauce Base: The roux (butter and flour mixture) is key to a smooth, thick sauce. Cook the flour for a minute to remove the raw flour taste before adding liquids. Whisk continuously as you add the milk, broth, and wine to prevent lumps.
- Cheese, Please: Monterey Jack offers excellent meltability and a mild, creamy flavor, while Parmesan adds a sharp, savory depth. Freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Flavor Boosters: Don’t skimp on the garlic and onions; they form the aromatic base of the sauce. Sautéing the mushrooms until lightly browned adds a deeper, more complex umami flavor to the dish.
- Crispy Topping: The panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese create a wonderful crunchy crust. For extra flavor, you can toast the panko breadcrumbs lightly in a dry pan before mixing with melted butter and Parmesan.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This Turkey Tetrazzini isn’t just a way to use up leftovers; it’s a culinary experience in itself. It embodies the best of comfort food – familiar, satisfying, and deeply flavorful. The blend of textures, from the tender pasta and succulent turkey to the creamy sauce and crispy topping, makes every bite a delight. It’s a dish that can bring a family together around the dinner table, offering warmth and satisfaction.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal, a way to impress guests with your resourcefulness, or simply a comforting dish to combat the cold, this Turkey Tetrazzini is your answer. It’s practical, economical, and undeniably delicious. So, next time you find yourself with leftover turkey or chicken, don’t just reheat it – transform it into this magnificent casserole that everyone will love!
Happy cooking, and enjoy this wonderful dish!