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Wanna know my go-to trick for holiday extras? This Turkey Tetrazzini has become what we look forward to after all the Thanksgiving hype dies down. It's funny how leftover turkey transforms into this super creamy, cozy bake that my family now gets more excited about than the actual holiday feast!
What Makes Turkey Tetrazzini Stand Out
This dish is so adaptable! You can throw in turkey scraps from your holiday meal or chicken leftovers from whatever's in your fridge - it turns out yummy either way. I'm crazy about how that rich sauce clings to each pasta strand, making every forkful pure comfort food heaven in casserole form.
Must-Have Components for Turkey Tetrazzini
- Spaghetti: Cook it slightly firm since it'll soften more as it bakes.
- Mushrooms: I usually grab baby bellas but honestly whatever mushrooms you've got will do.
- Butter and Garlic: These two create the tastiest foundation.
- White Wine: A tiny bit adds that extra something special.
- Heavy Cream and Broth: Together they make that smooth, dreamy sauce.
- Cheddar and Parmesan: Using both makes everything better!
- Frozen Peas: They give such nice bright spots and sweet bursts.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Don't miss this for that amazing crunch on top.
Cooking Steps Breakdown
- Pasta Prep
- Boil your water and cook spaghetti until barely done - it'll finish cooking when we bake everything!
- Mushroom Transformation
- Let those mushrooms brown up with butter, garlic and wine until they soak up all the goodness.
- Sauce Building
- Take your time here, keep stirring that roux until you get a perfectly silky sauce.
- Combine Everything
- Here's the satisfying part - mixing it all so every noodle gets completely covered.
- Top It Off
- That panko-parmesan mix will turn into the most delicious golden topping ever.
- Oven Time
- Stick it in to bake and get ready for amazing smells throughout your house!
Insider Tricks
- About The Turkey: Don't worry if your turkey's a bit dry - the sauce will bring it back to juicy!
- Switch It Up: No turkey around? Try it with chicken or ham instead.
- All About That Crunch: The panko topping isn't optional - it makes everything better!
Storage Smarts
You can keep this bake in your fridge for several days with no problem. When you want another serving, just warm it up slowly in your microwave or oven. The sauce stays nice and creamy no matter what!
What To Serve With It
Though this dish fills you up nicely on its own, I love having a simple green salad alongside for some freshness. Got more holiday sides hanging around? Throw those on the plate too! Everything usually tastes even better the day after anyway.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I prep this in advance?
- Definitely! Just assemble it without the breadcrumb layer, cover, and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- → Is this freezable?
- Absolutely! Build it but don't bake—wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before sticking it in the oven.
- → Can I switch out the pasta?
- Totally! Try noodles like rotini, penne, or fettuccine if you don't have spaghetti.
- → What works instead of white wine?
- Swap it for more chicken broth or splash in a little white wine vinegar for a kick.
- → Can I substitute chicken here?
- Sure thing! Cooked chicken works just as well—use the same quantity as the turkey.