Turkey tetrazzini is a classic Italian-American baked pasta casserole that is popular for using up leftover turkey after the holidays It combines cooked turkey, noodles, and a creamy cheese sauce with mushrooms, onions, and herbs for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish But what exactly goes into this tasty tetrazzini recipe? Let’s take a look at the key ingredients
Pasta
Most turkey tetrazzini recipes call for a short, tubular pasta like penne, rigatoni, or macaroni. The pasta is briefly boiled until al dente, then added to the casserole. Spaghetti or linguine broken into pieces can also be used. The pasta soaks up the savory sauce as it bakes.
Turkey
Cooked sliced or cubed turkey, often leftover from a holiday meal, is a key component. The turkey can be white or dark meat or a combination. Other poultry like chicken can also be used. The cooked meat lends protein and hearty flavor.
Cheese Sauce
A cheese sauce made with butter flour, and milk binds everything together. Cheddar Parmesan, mozzarella or a blend creates a creamy, decadent sauce. Condensed soups like cream of mushroom are sometimes used as a shortcut for the sauce.
Mushrooms
Sliced mushrooms add earthy flavor and texture. Most recipes call for white or brown mushrooms, but you can also use a mix of wild mushrooms. Sauteing the mushrooms deepens their umami savoriness.
Onions
Onions are often cooked until translucent as the aromatic base for the sauce. Shallots, scallions or leeks can also be used.
Herbs
Parsley, thyme, basil, oregano, chives and other fresh herbs brighten up the casserole.
Vegetables
Some recipes add diced bell peppers, blanched broccoli florets or frozen peas. This adds color and a pop of freshness.
Breadcrumbs/Cheese
Topping the casserole with toasted breadcrumbs or shredded cheese helps create a browned crust or cheesy crown.
Wine
A splash of white wine when cooking the mushrooms adds a note of acidity and sophistication. Chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted.
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Relax all… plenty of other tetrazzini recipes on the web, don’t knock this , plenty of room for all, I made it n loved it!
It may be good (although I’m not a fan of cream cheese in casseroles even though I love it in many things), but Turkey Tetrazzini it ain’t. Recipes do indeed evolve – but not to the point where they’ve become unrecognizable; then they need to be called something else that more accurately reflects the current iteration. Curried Turkey Spaghetti might be a better name for this. For most of us, Turkey Tetrazzini is spaghetti, bechamel, turkey, mushrooms, Parmesan, and crunchy bread crumbs on top.
I used leftover Thanksgiving turkey and gravy, adding hot curry, wine, garlic, mushrooms and the cheeses. Makes a lot. I halved the recipe.
Terrific! Substituted a few grinds of nutmeg for the curry powder but that was my only change. Served it with an arugula, fennel and grapefruit salad and a basket of fresh rosemary focaccia. Guests and family loved it.
I wish I hadn’t added the curry. It covered up all of the other flavors. Why did I bother to grate and buy all of those good cheeses when all I can taste Is curry. If I were to make it again I would definitely leave this out.
Nice end product, but once again I was fooled into believing their prep time. Took me 45 minutes longer than they said – luckily, we”re flexible about dinnertime. I should know when they say “1 cup grated Fontina Cheese” they are not including the time to grate it, or the time to cut the turkey into bite-size pieces. When will I ever learn?Private notes are only visible to you.
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How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini | Allrecipes.com
FAQ
Why is it called Turkey Tetrazzini?
Turkey Tetrazzini Pronounced teh-trah-ZEE-nee, Turkey tetrazzini is an adaptation of chicken tetrazzini, which is said to have been named after the famous opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini. This simple recipe combines pasta with chicken or turkey with a sherry-parmesan cheese cream sauce.
What is the difference between Tetrazzini and a La King?
Tetrazzini is a baked pasta dish with a cream sauce, while Chicken à la King is a sauced chicken served over rice, toast, or pastry.Feb 5, 2025
What makes Tetrazzini?
Tetrazzini is an Italian-American dish made with diced poultry or seafood and in a butter, cream or milk and cheese sauce flavored with sherry or white wine.
Who makes turkey tetrazzini?
Stouffer’s: Turkey Tetrazzini.